Should parents accompany children with ADHD to take online classes? How to ensure the quality of learning?

The COVID-19 epidemic continues to improve, and schools have been reopened in many places, but epidemic prevention and control is still ongoing, and many students are still taking online classes. Many parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (commonly known as ADHD) reported that they wanted to spend more time with their children and cultivate a good parent-child relationship during this period of home confinement; but they did not expect that their children would become more "rebellious" after staying at home for a long time, without many entertainment options and unable to go out to play: they kept making small movements during online classes; it was difficult to complete homework independently; they often contradicted their parents and were difficult to discipline...

According to Gao Hongyun, chief physician of the Department of Psychology at the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), commonly known as ADHD, is characterized by inability to concentrate, hyperactivity, impulsiveness and difficulty in self-control. This has led to more pressure on children with ADHD during online classes during the epidemic, and parents are also "headaches". In addition, children's energy is difficult to release and their emotions are not well regulated when they stay at home for a long time, so children with ADHD will have difficulties falling asleep and having difficulty controlling the time when playing games, which will lead to family conflicts. If the treatment is interrupted during this period, the child's condition will not be well improved, and the situation will be worse.

When faced with negative emotions in children with ADHD, how should parents adjust their mindset to deal with it?

First of all, parents should give their children enough understanding. These "bad" behaviors are not due to disobedience or lack of discipline, but the disease makes the child unable to control his attention and behavior well. At the same time, parents should also maintain emotional stability, otherwise it is difficult to achieve harmony between parents and children.

How can children with ADHD better take online classes?

Gao Hongyun made suggestions from a psychological perspective: First, create a good learning environment. Try to reduce the clutter that attracts children's attention, and let children take online classes in a clean and undisturbed environment to avoid distractions as much as possible.

In addition, set learning goals and bring tasks to class every day. For example, for younger children, you can set rewards for answering questions, and for older children, you can set after-class thinking and exercise tests, and reward them for good performance.

Chen Ying, a psychology researcher at Shanghai Minhang District Education Institute, added: "It is necessary to make a detailed schedule and study plan. Arrange time according to the usual school schedule, including the time to get up, classroom study time, and after-school activities, etc., to increase the sense of ritual in learning and cultivate good study habits. It is also necessary to ensure daily exercise time, which can be parent-child interaction or children playing alone. On the one hand, it can consume children's excess energy, and on the other hand, it can also help the family get along harmoniously.

Parents prepare school supplies and leave, letting their children study independently. Parents can tidy up desks and study materials, but try not to accompany their children to class, and try not to complain. Study daily according to the set schedule. "

"Children with ADHD do not lack discipline. We should start from both medical and educational perspectives to popularize some knowledge about the disease to the public. We also hope to better help children with ADHD to spend their time in home isolation 'perfectly', and at the same time build a good foundation for their future study and life." said the two guests.