While a child with ADHD will need as much discipline as one without the disorder, the strategies you use will have to be different. Effectively guiding a child with ADHD calls for varying amounts of strict rules and flexibility. As you learn what the experts are saying about disciplinary actions, you’ll be able to see what works best for you and your child.
The To-Do List
- Give your child structure - A detailed routine that includes simple tasks like choosing their clothes for the day, eating meals, and schoolwork can make disruptive periods less likely.
- Make the tasks manageable - Another preventive disciplinary measure is ensuring that your child’s tasks are manageable and that you’ve given them clear instructions for getting them done.
- Provide positive interactions - One characteristic of ADHD is attention-seeking behavior. In many cases, this can present as them misbehaving. To prevent this, you can maintain positive interactions throughout the day. The one-on-one time will go a long way.
- Give positive feedback for efforts - Just as you will let your child know when they’ve done something that displeases you, it’s important to have balance with praising them. This isn’t limited to when they’ve accomplished the task since there will be times when they can’t. Let them know that you appreciate their efforts as well.
- Use time-outs when needed - For children with ADHD, a time-out isn’t always about punishment. It can be a good time for your child to calm down or recover from feeling overstimulated.
- Let consequences play out - In some cases, your child will need to experience the natural consequences of their actions for the lesson to stick. Of course, this does not apply to situations where they will be hurt. One example is putting their food away when they’ve decided not to eat.
- Keep them physically active - Exercise will not only keep them healthy, but it will also help to burn off some of that extra energy that children with ADHD often have. According to health experts, physical activity can give your child a good avenue for their creative energy and help them to focus.
- Pay attention to their sleep schedule - Sleeping well is important to your discipline plan. It might be difficult but once you’ve established a bedtime routine, your child will sleep well and have fewer issues with inattention during the day. Start with developing a calming ritual and eliminating stimulating foods from the hours before bedtime.
- Talk about their thinking habits - Children with ADHD may get lost in their thoughts and then act on them. This kind of behavior can come across as misbehaving especially when they’re not doing the task that they’ve been assigned. To curb this, encourage them to think out loud so you’ll know what they’re thinking about that. You should also talk about waiting a bit before acting on their thoughts. This advice leads to more mindfulness in your child.
What You Should Avoid
- Don’t give up - Learning to discipline a child with ADHD is no easy feat and there will be days when you’ll feel like giving up. Take some time yourself and then get back to it. The strategies only work with continued practice.
- Don’t lash out - Regardless of how you may feel, know that your child isn’t always misbehaving on purpose. Take the time to assess the situation and respond appropriately.
- Don’t be too rigid - Even though you’re setting rules for your child’s behavior, you’ll both benefit from some flexibility. If everything hasn’t been accomplished for the day, it might be better to make new plans than to get too stressed out about it.
- Don’t be bullied - Though you’re creating strategies based on your child’s disorder, it’s important not to give over control to your child. You can be a caring disciplinarian.
Bear in mind that this is only a guide and your strategies will need to be tailored to your specific needs. You will also need to modify the things you do as your child ages. It’s also essential to take advantage of any resources that are available to you. By doing that, you’ll get the professional aid you need.
