Parenting a child involves stress from time to time. When diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, there is even more stress. You may also feel overwhelmed, but you want to help your child focus and feel in control.
With so many resources available, it’s hard to know where to begin. Having lots of information at your disposal is great, but it can delay or halt your progress. With summer coming, you want to set some limits for your child with ADHD 5 year old symptoms, or at any age, so that you can enjoy the season. But where can you start? Below are some tips to set healthy limits for your child.
1. Set Up a Routine
Creating a structure for your child with ADHD is crucial. A predictable and organized environment is the groundwork for success. In turn, your child’s self-esteem will improve. This structure will minimize conflicts, which will also improve behavior and can help your child deal with anxiety and stress.
Providing a routine will help your child learn self-control. They will learn to develop good habits and create routines and schedules in other areas of their lives. The entire family should adhere to the schedule. Otherwise, your child may feel singled out.
2. Establish Boundaries
All children need and actually want boundaries. They need to know the expectations so that they are able to stay within those set boundaries. Setting expectations and clearly stating them in a simple manner helps your child follow the rules. Boundaries even help diminish or eliminate anxiety and stress in your child.
3. Create a Chart for Behavior
Rewarding your child for specific behaviors can help your child stick with tasks that typically would not hold their attention. The ability to see what occurs with the right behavior helps your child maintain the behaviors you want. Your chart will vary depending on your child’s age. But, this is a beneficial tool for children of all ages.
Enlisting your child’s input is a great way to keep their attention and get them involved. When they have input, they will be more willing to stay on track. Decide on rewards and keep the process and the behavior goals positive. Make the chart simple so that your child can easily follow the rules.
4. Positive Reinforcement
A child with ADHD responds better to positive reinforcement compared to punishment. Also, a promise of a reward is not as beneficial. Consistent positive reinforcement is essential. If not given frequently enough, the child will lose interest. Always discuss expectations so that your child knows what they are working towards. This will help with ADHD symptoms in 13 year olds feel involved.
5. Encourage Physical Activities
Exercise is beneficial for everyone, but it is particularly true for children with ADHD. It helps decrease their symptoms and improve their cognitive function. Exercise can be in the form of a sport or anything from swimming, running to playing tag. The key is find something they want to do and do that. As always, keep the exercise simple so it holds their attention.
Options are available to help you and your child with their ADHD symptoms. Review a thesis for ADHD and find more resources because knowledge will help. Determine what works best for your child so you can enjoy your summer.
