Why does it seem like there are never enough hours in the day? From day to night, work to family, personal goals, and endless to-do lists, we’re a nation of on-the-go people. We all want to be more productive, but that requires more focus and more energy, especially with a child with ADD.
Here are 10 positive ways to guide behavior of ADD children:
1. Relationship is key.
With a good parent-child relationship, almost any form of discipline will work. Relationships require two things: time and willingness to listen.
2. Teach children from your own real–life experiences.
3. When a child meets your expectations, be sure to notice him or her.
If you never reinforce good behavior, you’re unlikely to get much of it.
4. Notice the behaviors that you like in your child ten times more than the behaviors you don’t like.
This teaches them to notice what they like about themselves, rather than grow up with a critical self-image.
5. Children live up to the labels we give them.
Be careful of the nicknames and phrases you use to describe your children.
6. Never discipline a child when you’re out of control.
Take a time-out before you lose your cool.
7. Remember the words, “firm but kind.”
Try to balance them at the same time.
8. Have swift, clear consequences for broken rules, enforced in a matter-of-fact and unemotional way.
Nagging and yelling are extremely destructive, ineffective, and tend to be addictive for the ADD child.
9. Do not yell at, hit, or berate an ADD child.
The more emotionally intense you get, the more they will make you get emotionally intense.
10. Parents need time for themselves.
Parents who are drained do not have much left that is good for their children.
We Can Help
ADD is not a single or simple diagnosis and no one treatment method will work for everyone. At Amen Clinics, we can help you understand your brain and create a treatment plan that is targeted to your brain’s unique needs. We have identified 7 types of ADD—and each requires a different treatment plan because of the diverse brain systems involved.
Each of the ADD subtypes has its own set of symptoms as a result of the abnormal blood flow patterns in the brain, but for the most part, they all share the same core symptoms.
To learn more about ADD/ADHD, you can begin with our ADD Type Test. Take the
4-minute confidential test to discover you, or your loved one’s ADD Type and get a personalized overview on what to do about it.
Our Care Center is experienced in addressing your concerns and helping get you or your loved one on the path to wellness. Call us today at 888-288-9834 or
tell us more online to schedule an appointment.
