ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) is best treated by therapy sessions that are initiated by parents or therapists. Parents should not only make sure their child attends therapy sessions but also incorporate the information into their daily lives. These are some tips to help you and your child manage ADHD symptoms at home.
Establish Goals
If you don’t know what you want, you won’t be able to accomplish anything. Your child will be more motivated to make positive changes if they set small goals. This could be as simple as reminding your child to do their homework on time, or getting rid of their toys. These goals can be written down so that your child will have a visual reminder of how to achieve them. A list written on paper can help you as a parent to keep track of the progress made by your child . The list could be placed on your fridge to remind your child of their goals.
Provide Positive Reinforcement
It is possible that therapy sessions may be unfamiliar to you both. For children, it can be frightening to go into a new environment where they will be criticized for their actions. A reward system is one of the best ways to ease your child into therapy. Reward your child for meeting a goal you have set. You can reward them with candy, a videogame, or a toy. Your child will be more likely to repeat the behavior you have rewarded them for, whether it is for good behavior or meeting a goal.
Consistently Obtain Rewards and Consequences
It is a good idea to reward your child for good behavior. However, too many rewards or too few consequences can cause more harm than good. Be consistent in what rewards you give your child and the punishments you use for bad behavior. The type of goal you have achieved or failed should dictate the rewards and punishments you give. A big reward should be given to your child who reaches a significant milestone such as sitting still for a test. You should have a greater punishment if your child hurts another person or lashes out at them.
Maintain Structure
Your child’s daily routine should be consistent. Your child should wake up at the same time every day on school days to brush their teeth, get ready for school, and then take the bus. You can keep the evenings organized by making sure that homework and dinner are at the same time each night. To help your child track their accomplishments in chores, you can keep a written list of to-dos. While flexibility is possible in your child’s schedule, such as weekends, you should still try to keep it as organized as possible.
Strategies for Therapy at Home
You can test out the things they have learned. This is a great way to gauge how therapy sessions are going. ADHD behavior therapy is designed to help your child manage disruptive behaviors and build good habits. Your child will learn positive reinforcement techniques and how to discipline themselves positively through therapy. If you have any questions, your therapist will be there to help you. However, the ultimate goal is to master the techniques yourself.
Talk to your School Counselor
Your child’s school counselor can be a great resource before, during, or after therapy. The evidence-based interventions (EBIs), are taught to school counselors. They can support students with ADHD. Your school counselor can help you implement the therapy ideas into your child’s daily routine. You can learn more about the progress of your child in school by setting up appointments with his/her school counselor.
