Supporting Caregivers Of Children With ADHD: An Integrated Parenting Program: Therapist Guide

This resource provides therapists with a structured, evidence-based guide for supporting parents of children with attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). By integrating behavioral and cognitive strategies, it offers practical tools to help caregivers manage their own stress and improve their child’s behavioral and emotional regulation.

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Introduction

Chapter 1 – Module 1: Psychoeducation and Theoretical Foundations

Chapter 2 – Module 2: Special Time and Pleasant Activities Scheduling

Chapter 3 – Module 3: Maintaining a Consistent Schedule and Time Management

Chapter 4 – Module 4: Praise and Changing Your Thinking to Feel Better

Chapter 5 – Module 5: Planned Ignoring and Relaxation Skills

Chapter 6 – Module 6: Assertiveness, Effective Commands, and House Rules

Chapter 7 – Module 7: Time Out and Privilege Removal

Chapter 8 – Module 8: Working Effectively with the Schools

Chapter 9 – Module 9: Emotion Coaching

Chapter 10 – Module 10: Home Point Systems

Chapter 11 – Module 11: Review, Wrap Up, and Planning for the Future

Appendices

References

Front Matter

Overview

Parenting a child with ADHD presents unique challenges that can lead to stress, frustration, and feelings of helplessness. This guide is designed to equip therapists with strategies to support caregivers in creating a structured, consistent, and emotionally supportive environment for their children.

The program integrates established behavioral parenting techniques with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and emotion-focused strategies to help parents develop self-care routines, improve emotional regulation, and implement evidence-based behavior management techniques. By improving caregivers' mental well-being, this resource enhances their ability to support their child effectively.

Why Use This Resource?

Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects attention, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Parental stress and inconsistent responses can exacerbate chidren's difficulties. This treatment program helps caregivers:

  • Understand ADHD from a behavioral and cognitive perspective.
  • Implement practical strategies to improve structure and consistency.
  • Develop coping mechanisms for managing their own stress and emotional reactivity.
  • Foster positive parent-child interactions through effective behavior management.
  • Reduce common negative cycles of frustration and conflict.

Key Benefits

Structure

Provides a step-by-step approach to implementing behavioral parenting strategies.

Regulation

Teaches caregivers how to manage their own stress and emotions effectively.

Engagement

Strengthens the parent-child relationship through positive interactions.

Consistency

Encourages predictable routines and behavioral expectations.

Evidence-Based

Developed from research-backed interventions for ADHD management.

Who is this for?

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Caregivers of children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder who struggle with emotional regulation, impulsivity, and inattention.

Emotional Dysregulation

Parents of children who have difficulty managing their emotions and behaviors.

Parental Stress

Caregivers experiencing high levels of frustration, anxiety, or emotional exhaustion related to their child's behavior.

Integrating it into your practice

01

Psychoeducation

Help parents understand the neurological and behavioral aspects of ADHD.

02

Structure

Guide families in implementing consistent routines, schedules, and reinforcement systems.

03

Emotion Coaching

Teach caregivers how to model and encourage emotional regulation.

04

Behavioral Interventions

Support parents in using praise, planned ignoring, and time-out effectively.

05

Self-Care

Emphasize caregiver well-being through mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques.

06

Collaboration

Work with teachers, schools, and co-parents to maintain consistency across settings.

07

Progress Tracking

Use goal setting and behavioral monitoring to assess improvements.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

This program is grounded in behavioral parent training (BPT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and emotion-focused approaches. ADHD is highly heritable and influenced by environmental factors, making caregiver support essential in managing its impact. The intervention follows a transactional model, recognizing the bidirectional influence between parent and child behaviors.

Parents of children with ADHD often struggle with their own executive functioning, emotional regulation, or mental health conditions, which can interfere with effective parenting. By integrating self-care and emotion-focused strategies, this guide addresses both child behavior and parental well-being.

What's inside

  • Psychoeducation on ADHD and the parent-child interaction model.
  • Practical worksheets and tools for behavior management.
  • Guidance on emotion regulation strategies for caregivers.
  • Modules on structured routines, time management, and school collaboration.
  • Step-by-step plans for handling oppositional behavior and promoting positive interactions.
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FAQs

This guide integrates behavioral techniques with cognitive and emotion-regulation strategies, specifically designed for parents of children with ADHD. It recognizes the impact of parental mental health on effective behavior management.
Yes, many parents of children with ADHD have similar challenges. This guide includes strategies to help caregivers manage their own executive functioning and emotional difficulties.
It includes modules on working effectively with schools, communicating with teachers, and setting up home-school behavioral consistency.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

By supporting parents in managing their own stress and using structured behavioral strategies, this resource:

  • Reduces child behavioral difficulties and oppositional behaviors.
  • Enhances parent-child relationships and positive interactions.
  • Lowers parental stress, frustration, and emotional reactivity.
  • Improves household consistency and child self-regulation.

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References And Further Reading

  • Barlow, D. H. (2004). Psychological treatments. American Psychologist, 59, 869-878.
  • Chronis-Tuscano, A., et al. (2013). Enhancing behavioral parent training with emotion coaching. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology.
  • Johnston, C., & Chronis-Tuscano, A. (2015). Families and ADHD. In R. A. Barkley (Ed.), Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A handbook for diagnosis and treatment (4th ed., pp. 191-209). The Guilford Press.
  • Miller, N. V., et al. (2018). Parenting and ADHD symptom trajectory. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 46, 1103-1115.
  • Weisz, J. R., & Kazdin, A. E. (2017). Evidence-based psychotherapies for children and adolescents (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.

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