Read these 41 ADHD ADD Behavior Management Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about ADD-ADHD tips and hundreds of other topics.
Discipline means "to teach." Discipline is a type of training. Punishment is something altogether different. Punishment hurts. Punishment is connected to the idea that pain must be felt for learning to succeed. Punishment does teach but it teaches children the wrong things: how to lie, not get caught. It also teaches fear and disrespect for authority. In true discipline, parents teach their children a very important lesson: Actions have consequences. Choose an action, for good or for ill, and receive the consequence. Everyone is responsible for his or her actions and will be held accountable. Discipline requires a parent that consciously chooses to respond instead of react. Wise parents allow natural consequences to achieve its goal. Too much rough play with the dog or cat teaches an indelible lesson, naturally. When a child experiences the results of his or her own actions, they soon learn. This kind of teaching makes sense to a child. The child understands the cause and effect of such actions. The child learns how to be responsible and will base future decisions on past experience.
Self-esteem is another way of describing self-value. It is about how we see ourselves. It is also about how we see our personal achievements and our own sense of worth. With AD/HD children, self-esteem is shaped by how other people think and feel about him. Compounding this problem is that due to the hyperactive, disruptive behavior that AD/HD children exhibit, they are often excluded from social events because other parents may not want to invite a child who is known to have challenging behavior. Exclusion only adds to an AD/HD child's negative feelings about herself and reinforces the idea that he is inherently wrong or bad. The counterpoint for these hurtful messages is to notice and praise all that your child gets right. Encourage your child to create social events of his own. This helps him feel confident by practicing his prosocial behaviors. It's never easy to see your child excluded, but you can be positive and supportive, and remind your child of his ever-growing list of successes.
Parents, just as they advise about putting your own oxygen mask first before you help others, be sure to create a support structure for you. Locate knowledgeable professions and consult them when behavioral issues arise. Be sure to ask for help when you need it - know your limits. Structure, structure, structure. Create an environment to function as a kind of internal support system. AD/HD children feel happier when there is a predictable safety net of rules and consequences. Make lists. Create check-off charts. Repetition brings a greater sense of confidence and can lead to mastery of a skill over time.
Like the rest of us, AD/HD individuals follow, and prefer, patterns of behavior that feels natural, familiar, and comfortable--patterns that used to obtain their objectives. When these patterns are driven by impulsivity, restlessness, excessive distractibility, and for some, hyperactivity and irritability, an AD/HD child's patterns of behavior become more understandable. Many times these children are in search of high stimulation: danger and excitement can be used as a way to focus. These children tend to be easily frustrated, impatient, and flutter from activity to activity, finishing little if anything. The biological origins of this disorder are not clearly understood, even though it may have both genetic and environmental links. While AD/HD can't be cured, it can be managed, and so can the behavior that attends this disorder.
The number one thing that children with ADD ADHD need is constancy and predictability. Consistent predictable discipline will help them know what to expect when they break the rules.
Here are some suggestions for parents to handle children with ADHD ADD:
• Parents of the ADD ADHD child must be assertive in limiting television watching as well as the time duration for video gaming and radio or music listening. This is because, as explained by an ADHD expert, “television, radio and video games are all stimulants and impede the abilities of children with ADD and ADHD to concentrate, relax and sleep”.
• parents must assign specific duties to their ADHD ADD children for example “empty the trash in the bathroom and kitchen, rather than just directing them to take out the trash”.
• Also, with the help of “behavior modification therapy”, patients with ADHD can be taught organizational skills and time management while utilizing things like day planners or electronic organizers.
• Creating strict routines with extra hours for exercise is also a way to manage ADHD. The ADHD child loves to move! Plan a family exerisze hour.
• Take your ADHD ADD child thru a step buy step plan when acomplishing larger tasks. Splitting major tasks into minor ones can also greatly help reduce anxiety.
By following specific steps for diagnosing the problem and the type of ADD ADHD, this challange can be treated with the aid of various therapies that help sufferers learn coping strategies.
Discipline means "to teach." Discipline is a type of training. Punishment is something altogether different. Punishment hurts. Punishment is connected to the idea that pain must be felt for learning to succeed. Punishment does teach but it teaches children the wrong things: how to lie, not get caught. It also teaches fear and disrespect for authority. In true discipline, parents teach their children a very important lesson: Actions have consequences. Choose an action, for good or for ill, and receive the consequence. Everyone is responsible for his or her actions and will be held accountable. Discipline requires a parent that consciously chooses to respond instead of react. Wise parents allow natural consequences to achieve its goal. Too much rough play with the dog or cat teaches an indelible lesson, naturally. When a child experiences the results of his or her own actions, they soon learn. This kind of teaching makes sense to a child. The child understands the cause and effect of such actions. The child learns how to be responsible and will base future decisions on past experience.
The child or adult that has ADD ADHD does infact have a slower brain. This does not mean that they are "slower" or not as intelligent. Infact many ADHD ADD children & adults have a higher IQ than most people. They are extremely intelligent, creative & innovative. Their brains are just "wired" differently and need more stimulation than others. Movement helps stimulate the brain to make it work faster.
Like the rest of us, AD/HD individuals follow, and prefer, patterns of behavior that feels natural, familiar, and comfortable--patterns that used to obtain their objectives. When these patterns are driven by impulsivity, restlessness, excessive distractibility, and for some, hyperactivity and irritability, an AD/HD child's patterns of behavior become more understandable. Many times these children are in search of high stimulation: danger and excitement can be used as a way to focus. These children tend to be easily frustrated, impatient, and flutter from activity to activity, finishing little if anything. The biological origins of this disorder are not clearly understood, even though it may have both genetic and environmental links. While AD/HD can't be cured, it can be managed, and so can the behavior that attends this disorder.
Time is an elastic concept for people with ADHD ADD. It either drags by, or races at the speed of light. Have your attention deficit child guess how long a task will take before he begins. Then quietly observe how long it really takes. Be careful not to turn this into a race. Keeping a record of tasks and the time they take can provide you and your child with valuable information useful for planning and scheduling.
Discipline means "to teach." Discipline is a type of training. Punishment is something altogether different. Punishment hurts. Punishment is connected to the idea that pain must be felt for learning to succeed. Punishment does teach but it teaches children the wrong things: how to lie, not get caught. It also teaches fear and disrespect for authority. In true discipline, parents teach their children a very important lesson: Actions have consequences. Choose an action, for good or for ill, and receive the consequence. Everyone is responsible for his or her actions and will be held accountable. Discipline requires a parent that consciously chooses to respond instead of react. Wise parents allow natural consequences to achieve its goal. Too much rough play with the dog or cat teaches an indelible lesson, naturally. When a child experiences the results of his or her own actions, they soon learn. This kind of teaching makes sense to a child. The child understands the cause and effect of such actions. The child learns how to be responsible and will base future decisions on past experience.
By using highly pragmatic approaches to problem solving, AD/HD coaches help clients identify what is preventing them from reaching specific goals and help them devise a plan to address these issues. Coaches create a safe environment for AD/HD individuals, and they encourage honest and open communication. Coaching is results oriented. Coaching is a remarkable vehicle for change. The coach's sole focus is on the client and the client's agenda. Coaching is a remarkable tool for co-creating practical, effective strategies for the achievement of personal goals.
Discipline means "to teach." Discipline is a type of training. Punishment is something altogether different. Punishment hurts. Punishment is connected to the idea that pain must be felt for learning to succeed. Punishment does teach but it teaches children the wrong things: how to lie, not get caught. It also teaches fear and disrespect for authority. In true discipline, parents teach their children a very important lesson: Actions have consequences. Choose an action, for good or for ill, and receive the consequence. Everyone is responsible for his or her actions and will be held accountable. Discipline requires a parent that consciously chooses to respond instead of react. Wise parents allow natural consequences to achieve its goal. Too much rough play with the dog or cat teaches an indelible lesson, naturally. When a child experiences the results of his or her own actions, they soon learn. This kind of teaching makes sense to a child. The child understands the cause and effect of such actions. The child learns how to be responsible and will base future decisions on past experience.
If your ADHD child is hyperactive, one of the biggest challenges you face is keeping their behavior under reasonable control. "Reasonable control" doesn't mean sitting perfectly still. A child who is expected to sit perfectly still in a classroom, and manages to do so, focuses all of their efforts on remaining still, leaving little to focus on learning. See if you and the teacher can work out a reasonable compromise.
Like the rest of us, AD/HD individuals follow, and prefer, patterns of behavior that feels natural, familiar, and comfortable--patterns that used to obtain their objectives. When these patterns are driven by impulsivity, restlessness, excessive distractibility, and for some, hyperactivity and irritability, an AD/HD child's patterns of behavior become more understandable. Many times these children are in search of high stimulation: danger and excitement can be used as a way to focus. These children tend to be easily frustrated, impatient, and flutter from activity to activity, finishing little if anything. The biological origins of this disorder are not clearly understood, even though it may have both genetic and environmental links. While AD/HD can't be cured, it can be managed, and so can the behavior that attends this disorder.
Risk-taking is more than just dangerous behavior like underage drinking or driving too fast. For a kid with ADD/ADHD, any behavior that shakes things up can qualify. Starting an argument, excessive lying, or getting into fights are all examples of risk-taking behavior, as is purposely getting caught doing something wrong. The punishment later is well worth the thrill now.
By using highly pragmatic approaches to problem solving, AD/HD coaches help clients identify what is preventing them from reaching specific goals and help them devise a plan to address these issues. Coaches create a safe environment for AD/HD individuals, and they encourage honest and open communication. Coaching is results oriented. Coaching is a remarkable vehicle for change. The coach's sole focus is on the client and the client's agenda. Coaching is a remarkable tool for co-creating practical, effective strategies for the achievement of personal goals.
One of the biggest challenges for young adults with ADHD ADD establishing thier independence is how to make decisions when faced with critical choices about job, home, school, relationships, and money.
Think before acting:
Try the following methods to asses decisions before acting:
1) write down the pros and cons of possible solutions for important situations or decisions.
2) Work with a ADHD ADD coach or a respected adult who can "talk you through" the possible outcomes and impacts of decisions before you commit to them.
Self-esteem is another way of describing self-value. It is about how we see ourselves. It is also about how we see our personal achievements and our own sense of worth. With AD/HD children, self-esteem is shaped by how other people think and feel about him. Compounding this problem is that due to the hyperactive, disruptive behavior that AD/HD children exhibit, they are often excluded from social events because other parents may not want to invite a child who is known to have challenging behavior. Exclusion only adds to an AD/HD child's negative feelings about herself and reinforces the idea that he is inherently wrong or bad. The counterpoint for these hurtful messages is to notice and praise all that your child gets right. Encourage your child to create social events of his own. This helps him feel confident by practicing his prosocial behaviors. It's never easy to see your child excluded, but you can be positive and supportive, and remind your child of his ever-growing list of successes.
Parents, just as they advise about putting your own oxygen mask first before you help others, be sure to create a support structure for you. Locate knowledgeable professions and consult them when behavioral issues arise. Be sure to ask for help when you need it - know your limits. Structure, structure, structure. Create an environment to function as a kind of internal support system. AD/HD children feel happier when there is a predictable safety net of rules and consequences. Make lists. Create check-off charts. Repetition brings a greater sense of confidence and can lead to mastery of a skill over time.
Like the rest of us, AD/HD individuals follow, and prefer, patterns of behavior that feels natural, familiar, and comfortable--patterns that used to obtain their objectives. When these patterns are driven by impulsivity, restlessness, excessive distractibility, and for some, hyperactivity and irritability, an AD/HD child's patterns of behavior become more understandable. Many times these children are in search of high stimulation: danger and excitement can be used as a way to focus. These children tend to be easily frustrated, impatient, and flutter from activity to activity, finishing little if anything. The biological origins of this disorder are not clearly understood, even though it may have both genetic and environmental links. While AD/HD can't be cured, it can be managed, and so can the behavior that attends this disorder.
Parents, just as they advise about putting your own oxygen mask first before you help others, be sure to create a support structure for you. Locate knowledgeable professions and consult them when behavioral issues arise. Be sure to ask for help when you need it - know your limits. Structure, structure, structure. Create an environment to function as a kind of internal support system. AD/HD children feel happier when there is a predictable safety net of rules and consequences. Make lists. Create check-off charts. Repetition brings a greater sense of confidence and can lead to mastery of a skill over time.
Your ADD ADHD child knows that they are different. In school they are singled out as "trouble makers" "disobedient" or "not performing up to their potential." I am sure you can remember sometime when you felt left out and unwanted. This usually happens with the attention deficit hyperactive child. Most people around them are focusing on what they are not doing or should be doing. This can lead to a very frustrating day that can result in a poor self image. To help counter this let them know they are wonderful just the way they are. Tell them how much you enjoy being their parent. Let them know that they make your life more wonderful because they are your child & there is not another person you would choose for that role. It gives the ADHD ADD child a "boost" & makes them feel special. This also sets the ground work for them wanting to do their best in school & at home. Let them know you appreciate them just the way they are. This will not only let the child know you believe in them but it will also create a deeper bond that will last a lifetime.
When you discipline your child be consistent. Set rules for what they can and cannot do. Be clear on what will happen when they break the rules. Be sure to remind them when they are almost to the point of breaking a rule. Children sometimes need this especially the ADD ADHD child. When they do break the rule be firm on the consequence. Do not change it or make any exceptions. Some good consequences are taking away privileges such as watching TV, playing with their favorite toy etc. Whatever you choose be consistent with it.
For years, it was assumed that ADHD was strictly no girls allowed. Those noisy hyperactive boys got all the attention, and no one noticed the quiet little girls daydreaming in the back of the room. Today, we know that girls can have ADHD, too, and that being hyperactive or daydreamy isn't a function of being male or female.
Look for jobs with variety. Career counseling can help you select the most "ADHD-ADD Friendly" jobs that fit your interests and talents. For example, jobs offering diverse assignments, lots of activity, or physical work may be more realistic choices than jobs requiring long periods of accurate concentration or single-focus tasks. This way you won't get borred quickly and can increase your job success and satisfaction.
Parents, just as they advise about putting your own oxygen mask first before you help others, be sure to create a support structure for you. Locate knowledgeable professions and consult them when behavioral issues arise. Be sure to ask for help when you need it - know your limits. Structure, structure, structure. Create an environment to function as a kind of internal support system. AD/HD children feel happier when there is a predictable safety net of rules and consequences. Make lists. Create check-off charts. Repetition brings a greater sense of confidence and can lead to mastery of a skill over time.
An ADHD coach is someone who helps you manage your ADHD symptoms more effectively. They can help you set short term goals, break large projects into smaller parts, and keep you on track. A good attention deficit disorder coach will be able to teach you new skills that will make your life easier, and keep you motivated long enough to make long lasting changes in your routines.
Self-esteem is another way of describing self-value. It is about how we see ourselves. It is also about how we see our personal achievements and our own sense of worth. With AD/HD children, self-esteem is shaped by how other people think and feel about him. Compounding this problem is that due to the hyperactive, disruptive behavior that AD/HD children exhibit, they are often excluded from social events because other parents may not want to invite a child who is known to have challenging behavior. Exclusion only adds to an AD/HD child's negative feelings about herself and reinforces the idea that he is inherently wrong or bad. The counterpoint for these hurtful messages is to notice and praise all that your child gets right. Encourage your child to create social events of his own. This helps him feel confident by practicing his prosocial behaviors. It's never easy to see your child excluded, but you can be positive and supportive, and remind your child of his ever-growing list of successes.
Self-esteem is another way of describing self-value. It is about how we see ourselves. It is also about how we see our personal achievements and our own sense of worth. With AD/HD children, self-esteem is shaped by how other people think and feel about him. Compounding this problem is that due to the hyperactive, disruptive behavior that AD/HD children exhibit, they are often excluded from social events because other parents may not want to invite a child who is known to have challenging behavior. Exclusion only adds to an AD/HD child's negative feelings about herself and reinforces the idea that he is inherently wrong or bad. The counterpoint for these hurtful messages is to notice and praise all that your child gets right. Encourage your child to create social events of his own. This helps him feel confident by practicing his prosocial behaviors. It's never easy to see your child excluded, but you can be positive and supportive, and remind your child of his ever-growing list of successes.
By using highly pragmatic approaches to problem solving, AD/HD coaches help clients identify what is preventing them from reaching specific goals and help them devise a plan to address these issues. Coaches create a safe environment for AD/HD individuals, and they encourage honest and open communication. Coaching is results oriented. Coaching is a remarkable vehicle for change. The coach's sole focus is on the client and the client's agenda. Coaching is a remarkable tool for co-creating practical, effective strategies for the achievement of personal goals.
When you discipline your child be consistent. Set rules for what they can and cannot do. Be clear on what will happen when they break the rules. Be sure to remind them when they are almost to the point of breaking a rule. Children sometimes need this (especially the ADD/ADHD child). When they do break the rule be firm on the consequence. Do not change it or make any exceptions. Some good consequences are taking away privileges such as watching TV, playing with their favorite toy etc. Whatever you choose be consistent with it. You will be glad you did.
Distractibility and lack of impulse control cause most driving problems for those with ADHD ADD. The following driving habits can improve attention span and decrease distractibility.
1) Preset the radio to avoid changing stations while driving.
2) Do not eat, drink, or use a cell phone while driving.
3) limit the number of passengers.
4) Do not drive when your angry, tired or upset.
This can help your ADHD teenager avoid tickets for speeding, reckless driving tickets and arive safely home to you.
Kids who are hyperactive have a hard time keeping their behavior under reasonable control. "Reasonable control" doesn't mean sitting perfectly still. A child who is expected to sit perfectly still in a classroom, and manages to do so, is focusing all of their efforts on remaining still, with little left to focus on learning. See if you and the teacher can work out a reasonable compromise instead.
With the help of a ADD ADHD coach or respected adult, establish and practice specific habits for handeling money, such as:
1) Setting and Following a simple budjet based on your income
2) Finding ways to remind yourself to post every check you write in a ledger.
3) Avoiding credit card use except in emergencies.
4) Limit impulse buying by waiting at least a day to buy something you think you need or want today.
These are guidlines we all should follow Attention Deficit or not.
Distractibility and lack of impulse control cause most driving problems for those with ADHD ADD. The following driving habits can improve attention span and decrease distractibility.
1) Preset the radio to avoid changing stations while driving.
2) Do not eat, drink, or use a cell phone while driving.
3) limit the number of passengers.
4) Do not drive when your angry, tired or upset.
This can help your ADHD teenager avoid tickets for speeding, reckless driving tickets and arive safely home to you.
1. Hyperactivity and reasonable control
If your attention defcit child is hyperactive, one of the biggest challenges you face is keeping their behavior under reasonable control. "Reasonable control" doesn't mean sitting perfectly still. An ADHD child who is expected to sit perfectly still in a classroom, and manages to do so, focuses all of their efforts on remaining still, leaving little to focus on learning. See if you and the teacher can work out a reasonable compromise.
Your ADD ADHD child knows they are different. To often they are labled the trouble maker, disobedint, unruly, a day dreamer, etc.... This makes for a fusterating day. What can a parent do? For one you can use positive praise any time your ADHD ADD child is following the rules, doing homework, has finshed his/her seatwork at school or just to let them know that you love them and accept them just as they are. They didn't cause or choose to be ADHD, they were just born with it. Letting your attention deficit child you appreciate them just as they are will let the your ADHD ADD child know that you believe in them.
Distractibility and lack of impulse control cause most driving problems for those with ADHD ADD. The following driving habits can improve attention span and decrease distractibility.
1) Preset the radio to avoid changing stations while driving.
2) Do not eat, drink, or use a cell phone while driving.
3) limit the number of passengers.
4) Do not drive when your angry, tired or upset.
This can help your ADHD teenager avoid tickets for speeding, reckless driving tickets and arive safely home to you.
Kids with ADD/ADHD are very often risk takers - they crave high stimulation. Impulsiveness and poor judgment certainly play a part in this behavior, but it's important to note that the thrill of the risk itself is the real motivator.
By using highly pragmatic approaches to problem solving, AD/HD coaches help clients identify what is preventing them from reaching specific goals and help them devise a plan to address these issues. Coaches create a safe environment for AD/HD individuals, and they encourage honest and open communication. Coaching is results oriented. Coaching is a remarkable vehicle for change. The coach's sole focus is on the client and the client's agenda. Coaching is a remarkable tool for co-creating practical, effective strategies for the achievement of personal goals.
Guru Spotlight |
Susan Sayour |