Tips for Home
Welcome back! I'm excited you've decided to join me for week 2 of the blog series, ADHD 101. This week I am going to focus on tips for the home.
As I said last week, caring for children with ADHD may be very challenging. It is critical that parents remember that some of their child's disruptive behavior is a manifestation of the disability and the challenge is finding ways to help them change their inappropriate behavior.
Key: The key to this is remembering to focus on the need for structure and routine for your child's daily schedule and thereby reinforcing the importance of learning self-control and self-regulation.
The following are suggestions for parents:
- Focus on discrete rewards and consequences for appropriate and inappropriate behavior such as:
- Tangible rewards and treats;
- Movie night for a good week at school;
- Removal of privileges; and
- Time-out from reinforcing activities: the child is essentially removed from situations that foster inappropriate behavior.
- Set a daily routine and stick to it. Bedtime and preparation for school are much easier if there is a structure already in place.
- Have tangible reminders:
- A big clock in the bedroom;
- Chart for chores;
- Assignment pad to record homework and a specific folder to put work in upon completion; and
- Gain the child's attention before speaking to him or her. Have the child repeat back directions for things that are really important.
- Avoid the following:
- Repeating patterns on inappropriate behavior followed by ineffective punishment;
- Administering consequences without prior warning or without the child understanding why he or she is receiving them; and
- Responding inconsistently to appropriate behaviors
Be sure to ask any questions or leave any comments below. Have a great week!
All the best,
Renee
P.S. Next weeks topic: Tips for School
