ADHD Parenting Tip - Provide Your Child With Clear Choices When Managing ADHD

A child with ADHD tends to see the world quite differently than someone who does not have ADHD. Just think about some of the characteristics that we know about children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:

They challenge authority
Have difficulty with multi-step directions
Struggle with organization
Have difficulty completing tasks
Among many other...

Nowhere on this list to do see anything that remotely suggests a child is incapable of what we ask, or what is expected. Yes, it might be more difficult for them, but it is not impossible.

So How Do You Reach Them?

I have heard advice from many ADHD professionals that reward charts are the way to go. For me, I stay away from them. You need to be incredibly organized and focused to get the long-term, well intended benefits that are possible.

But beyond that, the real issue at hand is motivation. We need to find a way to connect with these children and to help motivate them in a way that respects their differences. Knowing what we do about ADHD, I think it is unreasonable to simply expect certain children to just get things done.

That's why it is important to understand the needs of each individual child, beyond simply identifying ADHD as the challenge or problem. In this case, you want to give them very clear choices with direct consequences for their actions.

I'm not talking about consequences in a bad way. Rather I am suggesting that we let them know up front what will happen as a result of their choices. Be very clear about it. There is no benefit or structure to, "You'll go to room until I tell you to come out."

That's just too vague. Even for someone without ADHD, but it's more important for the child who does have it.

To help your child, allow them to make the choices in front of them, and be sure you follow up with clear consequences based on your arrangement.

And now I'd like to give you complimentary access to three audio interviews that will help strengthen the foundation you need to raise a child with ADHD. Get your ADHD Essentials Audio Kit today. Change is possible, and you don't have to do it alone.