Children with ADHD can be hard to handle, mainly if your child sometimes acts up and is out of control. This article (tips from therapists) will help you understand your child better so you will know how to handle them in cases like these.
- Figure out the causes of their behavior. Most children with ADHD act out when they are triggered. It could mean anything and that they can be triggered by anything, so it is best to talk to them calmly and ask why they are behaving that way.
- Have a routine. A child with ADHD needs to have a consistent routine that will help them be organized. A small change can affect their behavior because they cannot cope up with the new change in their daily routine.
- Use a reward system, so your child knows the excellent behavior from the bad. This way they slowly understand what is right from wrong but make sure that that you don’t overdo the rewards for they can get used to it and do good only because they are receiving something in return.
- Social cues are essential, especially for a child with ADHD. They have to understand that their behaviors can emotionally affect other people, especially when they are acting up or showing lousy behavior. When they know that there are consequences to the actions they do, they will change their behavior. Give direct and straightforward orders so that they understand what you want them to do.
- Always stay calm. Children with ADHD can be sensitive and emotional and can be easily upset over a small thing. It can also be stressful when they do not listen, and you can be irritated but keep in mind that they cannot control their actions and emotions. It will take a lot of effort, but there are positive results with this.
- Make sure you are precise when setting up consequences. They will not follow when they see that you cannot follow through with the rules you made. They will think that their actions are okay if you let it pass. It will be hard, but you have to be firm and strict for this is the best thing for your child.
- Help your child redirect their behavior. You must guide them through the process. There will be therapy and sometimes medication, but it should not stop there. They also have to be supervised at home for they are there most of the time. If they need assistance at school, then it is best also to inform teachers so they can take part in helping your child.
- Reflect on how you treat your child. Sometimes if your child is not listening to you, there might be a problem with how you set up your rules. Make sure that you are doing the right thing, even be strict, if that what helps your child develop better behavior.
- Think of the good things instead of the bad. There will be a big difference in both you and your child’s behavior development if you know how to look on the bright side of things. This will also influence your child to act well and to have self-control so they could gradually become more and more behaved until they adapt.
- Never forget to show love. The most important thing is to teach your child your appreciation and respect. They can really be affected positively because of this. If you show love, then you can have a better relationship with your child. You can understand him or her better and be more prepared on how to help him, or she overcome this challenge.
Once you’ve done this, then for sure your child’s behavior will have a better chance of improving in a faster way. Always keep in mind that your child doesn’t do this intentionally. On the outside, he may be challenging to handle, but deep within he struggles.
Give them sympathy, love, and care, and do your part in helping your child. Do your research about ADHD and how you, as a parent, can make your child’s life easier and bearable. It is confusing for a little kid not to know why they cannot control their emotions and actions, and they will look into how you can help them understand what they are going through.
Make sure you let the people around you and your child understand the situation that he or she is in so they could also help you. This way, you can build a support system for your child and an environment that will not make them worse. If you do this, then your child could grow up happy and disciplined at the same time.