Abstract
Having a child with ADHD can have a significant impact on parents’ lives. Due to their child’s inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity, as well as possible social and academic difficulties, additional parenting demands are likely. Because parents play a pivotal role in supporting their children, it is important to understand their experiences in order to achieve the best outcomes for children with ADHD and their families. The aim of the present study was to provide a better understanding of the perceptions and experiences of New Zealand parents who have a child with ADHD using an exploratory qualitative methodology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 parents of children with ADHD. These interviews were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis. ‘Challenges’ and ‘Finding ways to cope’ were identified as the two main themes. The first theme highlights the many challenges that parents face in relation to their child’s ADHD, which are described in five subthemes: ‘The child’s behaviour and their other difficulties,’ ‘The impact of the child’s behaviour on those around them,’ ‘Stigma,’ ‘Dealing with health and education professionals,’ and ‘Weighing up the pros and cons of ADHD medication.’ The second main theme describes parents coping strategies for overcoming such challenges, which are described in four subthemes: ‘Seeing the positive,’ ‘Managing problem behaviours,’ ‘Preserving parental wellbeing,’ and ‘Cautious optimism for the future.’ The results of the present study resonate with those of existing qualitative studies on parenting children with ADHD which suggests that many experiences and perceptions are common among parents of children with ADHD. The findings also highlight areas of health and education service provision that could be improved in the areas of policy, funding, training, and professional skill development in order to better meet the needs of children with ADHD and their families.