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Parenting Strategies
ADHD
Remember that each child is unique and that school and home must work as a team to help determine which strategies will best help each child to achieve success and self-worth. - Be positive and consistent.
- When talking with your child, reduce outside noise, physically place yourself at your child's level, and establish eye contact
- Keep instructions short and not more than 1 or 2 at a time.
- Ask your child to repeat any instructions or expectations word for word.
- List and define any rules.
- List and define undesirable or inappropriate behaviors.
- List desired behaviors and appropriate alternatives.
- With your child identify 2 or 3 consequences for repeated inappropriate behaviors.
- Follow through on identified consequences.
- Focus on one behavioral change at a time.
- Make changes in the task or environment when necessary.
- Contract with your child to reinforce appropriate behaviors.
- Say what you mean and mean what you say.
- Consequences should be logical and natural.
- Avoid lecturing or arguing.
- Praise new behaviors and responses that are appropriate.
- Respond immediately to children.
- Look at the who, what, where, where, and how. Throw away the WHY.
Here are ways to help your child his/her organizational skill level. - Directions should be simple, short, and in language the child can understand.
- Make lists; keep them simple and short
- Use a kitchen-type timer to help get tasks completed in a timely manner.
- Schedule short breaks during longer tasks.
- Set hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly goals – appropriate for the child's age.
- Shorten chores or responsibilities or break them down into steps.
- To start, rewards need to be immediate.
- Try to have things ready before they are needed; i.e., clothes for school laid out ahead.
- Use a large calendar to write down everything, from practices to event and who is doing it.
- Be a good role model; if you need to follow these tips and make changes, do it!
Another thought: Children with ADHD need structure and consistency. They need to know changes in any routine, including visitors or visits away from home, appointments, in advance.
Written by Bonnie Kiser, MS, Marriage and Family Therapist
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I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence I can reach for; perfection is God’s business.
Michael J. Fox |
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