Discipline is typically complex for a kid with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Due to the disorder’s symptoms, it’s challenging to convince a kid to listen to the reasons for their punishment. And consequences can be tough to enforce with highly distracted kids.
Disciplining a kid with ADHD can be challenging for many parents, and they may feel rushed, stressed, or disrespected. However, yelling or losing your temper in front of your child might worsen their symptoms.
When dealing with a kid with ADHD, a different approach to punishment may be necessary. A few minor adjustments to your parenting strategies may provide your child with the required motivation to manage their behavior more effectively.
Strategies to Discipline an ADHD Kid
Kids with ADHD may struggle with task management, task completion, and following directions. These disciplining strategies may be beneficial in assisting a kid who exhibits challenging behavior.
Provide Them With Effective Instructions
Children that have difficulty paying attention require additional assistance in following directions. Quite frequently, they cannot comprehend the directions in the first place. To increase the effectiveness of your instructions, begin by gaining your child’s full attention.
Avoid those causing the distractions and make direct eye contact with them before making a request. When giving instructions to a kid with ADHD, avoid giving them chain commands. Instead, deliver them one at a time.
Maintain a clear separation between general tasks and specific tasks, and instead provide a checklist. Or, you can assign one task at a time so that they do not feel rushed or overwhelmed by the chores you are asking of them.
Discipline That Is Both Purposeful And Gentle
When dealing with your child, keep in mind that they may be susceptible to criticism. When setting clear expectations for your child, it is essential to address their conduct with love and encouragement rather than yelling and severe consequences. Giving them a time-out session may assist you in getting your kid to reflect on what they did wrong.
Time-outs can be a helpful tool for children with ADHD. It does not have to be a severe disciplinary measure. Instead, it can be a valuable life skill that can be applied in various scenarios.
When your kid is frustrated, teach them to go to a quiet place to cool down and relax. Create a safe zone for them and gently guide them there, not as a punishment, but as a solution to help them feel better about themselves. Eventually, your child will learn to go to this area independently to avoid getting into trouble.
Applaud Your Kid’s Efforts
Recognize when your child is doing something right and praise them. Children with ADHD are more likely to behave if they receive positive reinforcement, and frequent feedback is essential. Make your praise specific, such as how your child is following directions correctly, playing quietly, or sitting still, and they will be more likely to keep up the excellent work.
Ignore Minor Negative Behavior
Children with ADHD frequently throw tantrums to get their attention. When done consistently, ignoring these undesired tendencies may prove to be a beneficial outcome.
Another strategy for responding to them when they’re seeking attention is to reassure children with ADHD, in a calm and quiet tone, that they will be listened to when they are relaxed and peaceful, too.
Follow Recommended Treatment
Keep all therapy visits indicated by your child’s doctors and therapists and adhere to their instructions.
If your child has been prescribed medication, stick to the recommended time and dosage and avoid making any changes without consulting your doctor first. A tip for saving money on medications like Vyanse: Get a vyvanse coupon or a savings card.
Help Them To Be Organized
In children with ADHD, they might have trouble arranging tasks and belongings. Hence, completing homework and performing in a classroom setting can be challenging.
Parents and teachers frequently find it beneficial to use color-coded binders and notebooks for each topic, as well as a daily homework checklist. Keeping a backup set of textbooks at home may assist a child who frequently forgets to bring books back. Establish an organizational structure for your kid and help them in following it.
Reward Your Kid
Rewards can be an excellent method to assist children with ADHD in staying on track. However, children with ADHD frequently become dissatisfied with typical reward systems that force them to wait excessively to get a reward. Consider implementing a token economy to assist your child in earning tokens throughout the day.
Establish a few targeted token-earning actions, such as allowing tokens to be swapped for more considerable benefits, like the opportunity to play a favorite game with you or a friend.
Final Thoughts
Good discipline necessitates open and honest communication with your child with ADHD, along with spending time with them. Connect with your child, establish appropriate expectations, and recognize and reward excellent behavior. All of your efforts in guiding and disciplining them will be worthwhile in the long run. Take time to acknowledge and praise your child’s successes to help them develop self-esteem.
