Caring for a child with ADHD can be challenging for the entire family. Marriages and sibling relationships are often strained by the stress associated with ADHD. If you and your significant other are frustrated about how to handle your child’s behavior and care, do your best to get on the same page.
- Remember you are a team, so you must think like a team. Communicate with each other and support one another. Take time to nurture your relationship and keep it strong.
- Don’t forget about your other children. If there are siblings in the household, make sure they get individual attention and quality time as well. They may not say anything or show how they are feeling, but making an effort to spend time with the other children can have a huge impact.
- Take a break. Be sure to give yourself some time off every now and then. You need time to relax and get some rest. Ask family and friends for help.
- Rewards or incentives can be powerful tools in helping your child succeed.n Rewards can be small, but should be something your child wants, such as an extra 15 minutes of 1:1 time.
- Try behavior charts. Completing these types of charts can help your child learn to track and monitor his or her own behavior. Behavior charts can be used to break down large jobs into smaller tasks, or can be a way for your child to keep up with daily chores.
- Take small steps. Choose a few behaviors you would like to encourage. Explain to your child exactly what you expect from her or him to earn a reward.
- Provide opportunities for success. Be consistent with house rules and routines. Communicate these clearly to your child.
- Get specific. Make sure the tasks are clear and measurable. For example, if you want your child to put up his or her toys, state exactly where the toys should go.
- Put tasks in order and make sure your child completes each task before moving to the next item on the list. A schedule or calendar can be helpful in keeping your child on track. Schedules allow for predictability and structure – both very important in preventing negative behaviors in children with ADHD.
- Get specific. Make sure the tasks are clear and measurable. For example, if you want your child to put up his or her toys, state exactly where the toys should go.
- Put tasks in order and make sure your child completes each task before moving to the next item on the list. A schedule or calendar can be helpful in keeping your child on track. Schedules allow for predictability and structure – both very important in preventing negative behaviors in children with ADHD
