Effective Behavior Strategies for Kids with ADHD
In this article, you will find:
Tips continued
Some effective punishments include: ignoring (particularly attention-getting behaviors), removal of privileges, response costs (receiving a "fine" or penalty such as removal of some points, stars, tokens earned), time-out (isolation for a brief amount of time), and verbal reprimands (not yelling and screaming).
If using a "time-out," find a location that is boring for your child, safe, but away from the reinforcement of other people and activity. It should be clear to your child what behaviors will result in time-out. Typically, a reasonable amount of time is one minute per year of age (6-year-old = 6 minutes). Set a timer.
Punishments must have a clear beginning and ending that you are able to control.
Anticipate and plan in advance (with your spouse) how to handle challenging behaviors. Avoid responding and punishing when you are very angry. You don't want to dole out a punishment you will regret later because it is too harsh, inappropriate, or impossible to enforce.
Avoid getting pulled into a power struggle or a shouting match with your child. Disengage. Don't be afraid to say, "I'm too angry to talk about this right now. We will discuss this later." Take time to step back, calm down, and think before you act.
When punishing, be careful to focus on the behavior that is inappropriate. Don't attack your child as "being bad" or criticize his character.
Prioritize and focus on what's important. You can't make an issue out of everything.
Use "do" statements rather than "don't" statements. ("Walk in the house," rather than "Don't run in the house.")
When delivering consequences, do so in a calm but firm voice. State the consequence without lecturing. Be direct and to the point.
Try lowering your voice rather than raising it.
Talk about, acknowledge, and label feelings -- your child's and your own.
No matter how exhausted or frustrated you are, maintain your authority as a parent and follow through on what you need to do.
It is far more difficult to manage the behaviors of children with ADHD than most other children. Be willing to seek professional help to find more effective strategies and guidance. Get referrals from other parents of children with similar needs. Find a mental health professional who is very familiar with ADHD and experienced in dealing with hyperactive/impulsive behaviors.
Excerpted from The ADD/ADHD Checklist by Sandra Rief, M.A.