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Parenting and Behavioural Issues
: Parenting Strategies for ADHD
Parents have an important role to play working with the child
to modify or change his behavior. Although ADHD is a biological
disorder, behavior modification is always a crucial part of successful
treatment. Careful and committed efforts to change the child's
behavior can help improve his social skills, his ability to learn,
and reduce frustration for the child, his family, and teachers.
A structured home environment
ADHD children manage best in a structured home environment. So
establish a predictable routine of activities, and warn the child
in advance of any changes. This will give him time to mentally
prepare, so that changes in routine aren't too disruptive or stressful.
Rules governing activities and behavior should be clear and simple,
and should apply both at home and away from home. This may mean
writing up a list of rules and responsibilities, and posting it
in a place where your child will see it frequently. It's also
useful to make a progress and accomplishment chart, focusing on
a few important behaviors that he should strive to improve. Write
lists in consultation with your child, and refer to them regularly.
To help improve organizational skills, assign specific locations
for possessions in the home. You may frequently need to remind
your child to put items away after using them. And to help your
child remember instructions, have him repeat them back to you
before he starts to carry them out.
Feedback, encouragement, and discipline
It's essential to provide frequent and immediate feedback in response
to your child's behavior and activities. In order to be effective,
feedback must be consistent between both parents, and between
parents and teachers.
Focus more on encouraging positive behavior rather than punishing
negative behavior. This will help build your child's self-esteem,
while more effectively motivating him to be well-behaved.
Rewards for good behavior should include physical affection, encouragement
of the child's efforts, and perhaps extra privileges or treats.
Consequences for poor behavior may include the temporary loss
of some privileges or treats. Always be sure to clearly explain
to your child why he is being rewarded or disciplined.
If your child becomes very emotionally or physically wound up,
you may wish to send him to a designated "time-out" location in
the house. This should not be a place of punishment, but one where
he can calm down and reflect.
Strategies for public places
Disruptive behavior by the child can sometimes occur in public
places, creating an embarrassing and stressful situation. But
many such situations can be controlled quickly - or prevented
altogether - if you identify potential problems in advance. Prearrange
a plan of action, and share it with your child just before entering
the situation. Then, immediately begin giving frequent feedback
on how he is doing. Again, it can be helpful to use a time-out
location.
Though it can be difficult to find one when in public, useful
sites away from distractions include telephone booths, dressing
rooms, or the parked car. Provide swift rewards or reprimands.
By planning ahead and responding quickly according to plans, you
can defuse what could otherwise become an unpleasant situation.
Behaviour modification
Strategies for modifying your child's behavior will work best
if you maintain a positive approach. Resist expressions of anger,
frustration or resentment, and be reasonable in your expectations
of him. Try to bear in mind that your child can't always help
his behavior, and be willing to forgive his mistakes. Because
the burden on parents and other family members can sometimes seem
overwhelming, remember that family counseling and support groups
are other great ways to help everyone to cope together.
While behavior modification requires considerable effort on the
part of both you and your child, it's most important to avoid
the temptation to give up when feeling frustrated or exhausted.
With compassion, patience and consistency you can greatly help
your child cope with ADHD.
Other Parenting and Behavioural Issues
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The information provided in this site is
designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to
replace the advice and care of your child's physician, nor is
it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If
you suspect that your child has a medical condition, always
consult a physician.
© Autograph Communications Inc.,
All rights reserved
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