How Parenting Styles Can Influence ADHD in Energetic Kids: New Study Insights

09/03/2025

A new study reveals that parenting approaches can play a crucial role in how ADHD symptoms develop in children with naturally energetic temperaments.

🔍 The Study

Researchers, including a team from the University of Waterloo, followed 291 children from infancy (as early as four months) through adolescence. They observed temperament, parenting interactions, and executive functioning, while parents also reported on ADHD symptoms.

The findings suggest a strong connection between:

  • Child temperament (particularly exuberant or high-energy behavior)
  • Parenting style (hands-on vs. less involved)
  • Executive functioning (attention, adaptability, working memory)

🧩 Key Findings

  • Children with lively, high-energy temperaments often struggle with executive functions.
  • When paired with less hands-on parenting, these children were more likely to develop stronger ADHD symptoms over time.
  • Hands-on parenting—offering consistent guidance, verbal direction, and supportive physical cues—helped foster self-regulation and reduced the severity of ADHD symptoms.

⚠️ ADHD Risk Factors

While parenting is influential, ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with genetic and prenatal risk factors, such as:

  • Premature birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Prenatal exposure to tobacco, alcohol, or other substances

🛠️ Managing ADHD

Treatment options vary and may include:

  • Medication
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Tailored behavioral interventions

The study emphasizes that early identification and timely, targeted parenting strategies can significantly improve a child’s developmental path and help reduce symptom escalation.

🌱 Why This Matters

By recognizing early signs of exuberant temperament and adapting parenting styles accordingly, caregivers can support self-regulation and resilience. These proactive steps provide valuable tools for parents, educators, and healthcare providers working to manage ADHD more effectively.