Behavior management is an important part of treatment for children with ADD / ADHD. Parenting a child with ADHD can be a tough job. At times it can be exhausting and overwhelming. It is normal to worry about our children. We wish for the best for them. It is hard to see them struggle and glorious to see them succeed. Parenting a child with ADHD can triple, even quadruple these feelings. Take a deep breath! Pat yourself on the back for the hard work you have done. Below is a list of behavior management tips that may make parenting your energizer bunny a little easier.
1. Set Up Clear House Rules
Children with ADHD do best in settings with clear, consistent expectations. Talk with your child about the house rules. Together come up with consequences for behaviors. Reward good behaviors and provide appropriate consequences for negative behaviors.2. Organize Your Home
It is helpful to get rid of clutter and identify specific places for things to go. Get storage boxes or other organizing containers. Clean out drawers. Designate a place for items. Make it clear that when things are used, they must go back into their proper spot when finished.
3. Set Up a Daily Schedule
All children respond well to routine and for kids with ADHD routine is vital. A daily schedule helps define the day and provides predictability.
4. Reward Effort
Sometimes tasks that seem simple to us are extremely difficult for a child with ADHD. Reward hard work and effort, rather than focusing on the outcome. Your child may have worked extra hard to study for a math test, but his grade may not reflect this. It is important to reinforce his effort and reward progress.
5. Catch Your Child Being Good
We often get so caught up in the negative behaviors we want to change that we forget to praise the positive behaviors we see. If you notice that your child put up his school backpack in its proper place right when he got home, let him know you noticed it. I like the way you put your bag away. Good job!
6. Focus on Strengths
All children have unique gifts. Sometimes they may be hard to find through all the problematic behaviors, but they are there. Focus on the strengths of your child and provide him with opportunities to succeed. This will help build his self esteem and confidence.
You are not alone. There are other parents out there going through the same thing as you. Sometimes it is helpful to have a place to go for support and education. Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is a wonderful organization that provides support in dealing with ADHD. Check out their online communities or their tips and resources pages. You may also search for local CHADD chapters.
8. Take Time for Yourself
Be sure to take care of yourself. Carve out some time in the day just for you. Dealing with ADHD can be exhausting. It is important for you to take time to rejuvenate.
