Caring for children with ADHD may be challenging, but it is important to remember that these children can learn successfully. It is critical that parents remember that some of their child's disruptive behavior is a manifestation of the disability and that the challenge is finding ways to help their child change the inappropriate behavior. Key to this is remembering to focus on the need for structure and routine for your child's daily schedule and thereby reinforcing the importance of learning self-control and self-regulation. The following are suggestions for parents:
Focus on discrete rewards and consequences for appropriate and inappropriate behavior:
- Tangible rewards and treats;
- Movie night for a good week at school;
- Removal of privileges; and
Time-out from reinforcing activities: the child is essentially removed from situations that foster inappropriate behavior.