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Did you know that parenting a child with ADHD need not be the torturous path that many parents describe? The reason I say that is that many parents start off on the wrong foot. They are convinced that their child is handicapped and that the whole world is against him or her.The first essential step is to understand is that this is not true at all as ADHD can be regarded as simply a difference and not a disorder or mental condition. After all, your child is just having a few problems in processing a few bits of information in his brain. That is why there is a problem with distraction, hyperactivity and a lack of concentration. It is by putting these things into perspective that we can change our attitude to ADHD and parenting.The second essential step is to have an ADHD friendly home. Once we have these things in place at home, we are well on the way to successfully parenting a child with ADHD. Let me give you some examples.It may seem marginal but having well established routines and rituals are essential. For example, getting up and dressed for school in the morning is so much easier, if the clothes are all ready laid out. The child knows that the routine for meals, bedtime and homework are all in order and there is no chaos. Many parents themselves have ADHD and find difficulty in getting the home organized and that can be an extra challenge. Being a role model in neatness and tidiness can help us parents as well to be better organized and not forget where we have left things. It can be a very positive aid to less harassed living.The third essential step in parenting a child with ADHD is to make sure that we are not going it alone. That means that we have to seek help and there is plenty available now online and offline. We should liaise with other parents, find support groups either locally or online. We have to make sure that the teacher is briefed on all aspects of the child's behavior and that this is a two way process so that you are getting feedback and it is just not the negative type. We need the positive feedback too.Finally we are aware of the controversy surrounding medications for ADHD. None of these, by the way, will ever create an ADHD friendly home although there is no doubt that they can help with some of the symptoms of hyperactivity, chattering non stop, the restlessness and distractability.So there we have it. We need to make sure that our children are not on medications which can ruin their happiness and childhood. That is such an important decision. Are you really wised up on this? Are you aware of all the pitfalls and possible dangers and risks? To help you sort all this out, I have set down what the main issues are and why choosing an alternative form of initial treatment may be the best thing for your child. Before you decide, why not take a look at my site and find out what the real issues are in parenting a child with ADHD.