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| Discipline & Praise |
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Disciplining the child is not about giving harsh punishment or spanking. Disciplining is about giving the child immediate feedback for his actions constantly. If you want to control your child’s temper and tantrums, you have to set rules and make your child aware of the boundaries he cannot cross. When disciplining, tell your child what to do instead of asking him/her. Remember time-outs and re-directing behaviour are better techniques than spanking. |
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| Be understanding and appreciative |
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 All children have their own strengths and talents. Sometimes they may be hard to identify amidst the behavioural problems but they are there. Focus on your child’s strengths and provide him/her with opportunities to succeed. This will help build her self esteem and confidence. It is important to “catch your child being good” at many times throughout the day. With ADHD children, praise has to be at the moment of the action and immediate, the same way as disciplining. ADHD children respond to immediate feedback. |
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| Be a good role model to your child |
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This is one of the biggest factors that will determine what kind of a person your child grows up to be. Although it may not seem like it, your child watches you and strives to be like you. Praise efforts and acknowledge the little steps and accomplishments. Give immediate and frequent feedback.
Wow! I like the way you’re playing with your sister!
I didn’t know you had such nice table manners!
Thank you for answering the phone.
It is fun to play in the park with you.
Wow, what a lovely dress you are wearing! |
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| Spend Quality Time |
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One of the best ways to help ADHD children is to spend time with them. Set aside some time each day to talk to your child and get to know him. Help him/her learn to communicate well with others and to know that s(he) can come to you with any problems. ADHD often means a child cannot pick up social cues or read other people’s body language. These are things people usually learn without formal instruction. Because they don’t know how they are coming off or how to read body language, ADHD children often push adults to their limits and get in trouble but these children often have no idea how they are “coming off” to others. They don’t realize that their voice is too loud or that no one likes their clowning. Give your child “the vocabulary of feelings.” Tell the child how his or her actions affect others in terms of feeling.
You’re crying. Are you sad?
Wow, you seem really upset. Are you angry?
When you hit your brother, he feels angry and hurt. |
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| Pointers for parents of children with ADHD |
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- Make sure your child is looking at you before you speak to him or her.
- Insist that your child make direct eye contact with the person to whom (s)he is speaking.
- Present multi-task activities one step at a time using simple language and avoiding complex command.
- Designate a specific place for the child’s important things, such as a cubby or shelf.
- Alternate tedious activities with more fun ones. Children with attention difficulties do well when given incentives (e.g. “When you finish cleaning up the toy cars, you can have a snack.”).
- Watch for times of the day or situations that can over stimulate your child.
- Provide opportunities for the child to burn off excess energy in productive ways. Like the child help you in chores such as watering the plants, bringing in the mail, etc.
- Help your child prepare for school. Get ready the night before school-lay out clothing and school materials. Make enough time for your child to dress and eat in the mornings.
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Potential Consequences
when ADHD is Left Untreated
- Increased risk for school failure and dropout
- behavioural and disciplinary problems
- Social difficulties and family strife
- Accidental injury
- Drug abuse
- Depression and other mental health disorders
- Delinquency, criminality, and arrest in adulthood
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Myths about ADD / ADHD
Myth #1 - All kids with ADHD are hyperactive: Some children with ADHD are hyperactive, but many others with attention problems are not. Children with ADHD who are inattentive, but not overly active, may appear to be spacey and unmotivated.
Myth #2 - Kids with ADHD can never pay attention: Children with ADHD are often able to concentrate on activities they enjoy. But no matter how hard they try, they have trouble maintaining focus when the task at hand is boring or repetitive.
Myth #3 - Kids with ADHD choose to be difficult. They could behave better if they wanted to: Children with ADHD may do their best to be good, but still be unable to sit still, stay quiet, or pay attention. They may appear disobedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re acting out on purpose.
Myth #4 - Kids will eventually grow out of ADHD: ADHD often continues into adulthood, so don’t wait for your child to outgrow the problem. Treatment can help your child learn to manage and minimize the symptoms.
Myth #5 - Medication is the best treatment option for ADHD: Medication is often prescribed |
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Activities for Children with ADHD That Should Be Encouraged:
- Scouting: Scouting includes many of the elements that can help your child to focus, providing physical stimulation, highly structured activities that make use of various learning styles, consistent peer interaction, close adult supervision, competition, and, most of all, fun.
- Team sports: Baseball, basketball, football and soccer can all be a good choice for your child, as they require team involvement and high physical energy. Team sports give him the opportunity to discover social skills.
- Lego, blocks, jigsaws, woodcrafts and mosaics: Children with ADHD often love to solve quizzes or puzzles. Building models or making things out of wood or metal will help your child learn how to turn his ideas into concrete reality.
- Swimming: Swimming can be very helpful as it will burn out much of his extra energy. Different water sports and competitions can provide opportunity to excel, increasing his self confidence.
- Art class, dance or music classes: Art and dance/music are two great ways to help your child express himself. Many ADHD patients are good at arts while being extremely weak in studies.
Source: http://www.adhdchildparenting.com/adhd-child-therapeutic-activities.php |
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Conclusion
If the child is diagnosed with ADHD, work closely with the child's healthcare, educational and other family members to ensure the most effective management of the problem.
Individuals with ADHD may need some special support, but the condition can be successfully managed. Know that after overcoming some initial challenges with your help, the child can have a content childhood and grow up to be a successful, independent adult.
About the Writers:
Author: Ms. Sanober Nadeem is a clinical psychologist by training and is currently employed as an Instructor at AKU-HDP. She teaches on various aspects of child development and has experience in working with children and families in a clinic and community settings.
Co-Author: Ms. Anjum Sharif a clinical psychologist is currently working as Coordinator Community Programme at AKU-HDP. She has vast experience of working in the communities especially with children under eight years of age. |
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