Parenting a child who suffers from ADD/ADHD can be a trying experience. Here are 11 tips to make both your life and that of your child’s easier.
1.Establish some simple family rules with clear consequences for breaking them. Make sure the child understands the family rules as well as the consequences for breaking them.
2.Disciplinary action should be positive, immediate, and of short duration.
3.As the child becomes more responsible, allow him more privileges.
4.Believe it or not chores are a great way to develop a child’s self-esteem and sense of responsibility.
5.Give brief, simple instructions, being sure you have eye contact and, perhaps, touching the child as you talk. Give follow-up reminders if needed.
6.Create a “To do” list so he can check off the things he has accomplished. For a younger child you ca use pictures in place of words on the list.
7.Calm out-of-control and impulsive behavior by letting the child listen to soothing music that will help him calm down. Even more effective than music are brainwave entrainment. To learn more go to http://www.maximindpower.com/add/calmkids.html
8.Establish a regular daily routine and follow it as consistently as possible.
9.Explain the child’s problem to adults who may be responsible for him occasionally such as teachers, babysitters, grandparents, etc. It will make it easier for both the child and the caregiver to cope.
10.Siblings of kids with ADD/ADHD sometimes feel neglected because parents are so immersed in coping with the demands of the ADD/ADHD child. Make some time to see to the needs of your other children too.
11.Arm yourself with knowledge. Know about your options in dealing with an ADD/HD child.
An excellent source of information on ADD/ADHD presented in the form of slides, audio articles, etc can be found at http://attention-deficit-disorder-treatments.blogspot.com/
12.Don’t allow yourself into being pressured into putting your child on medication if you are not happy with it. Be aware of the side-effects of these drugs beforehand.
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