What stress management techniques are useful for parents of children with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD?

PostedSeptember 16, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 17, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Lucia Alvarez, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Parenting a child with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD can be emotionally and physically exhausting, especially when symptoms are persistent and unpredictable. While ADHD therapy helps manage a child’s behaviour, parents also need strategies to care for their own wellbeing. Stress, burnout, and emotional fatigue are common, especially when navigating frequent outbursts, disrupted routines, and strained peer interactions.

Supporting a child through ADHD treatment involves far more than medication or school plans. It demands patience, structure, and emotional resilience from caregivers. Managing your own stress is essential not only for your health but for creating a stable, supportive environment at home.

Stress-relieving strategies for caregivers

Here are techniques that can help parents stay calm, focused, and emotionally balanced:

Set realistic expectations
Celebrate small victories and let go of perfection. Progress in ADHD therapy is often incremental, and flexibility is key.

Use structured support systems
Establish clear routines, use visual charts, and partner with schools on school accommodations that align home and classroom expectations.

Explore therapy options for the family
Counselling, individually or as a family, can help process stress and teach communication tools tailored to ADHD challenges.

Create personal time-outs
Even 10 minutes of solo downtime can reset your patience. Regular breaks from caregiving duties prevent long-term burnout.

Connect with other parents
Support groups offer not just solidarity but practical advice from those walking similar paths.

Managing a child with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD isn’t just about treating the child; it’s about nurturing the whole family. Visit providers like ADHD Certify to explore tools and therapy options that support both parents and children.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Hyperactive‑Impulsive ADHD .

Lucia Alvarez, MSc

Author

Lucia Alvarez is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience providing evidence-based therapy and psychological assessment to children, adolescents, and adults. Skilled in CBT, DBT, and other therapeutic interventions, she has worked in hospital, community, and residential care settings. Her expertise includes grief counseling, anxiety management, and resilience-building, with a strong focus on creating safe, supportive environments to improve mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.