Is the Behavior Management Solution Right My Child?

“Behavior management solution refers to a variety of techniques that are designed to change or eliminate undesirable behaviors and increase wanted behaviors through the use of rewards, skills training, and adjusting the child's environment.”  That is the “official” definition, but if you read that and said “isn’t that basically my role as a parent?”  You’re not that far off.  In fact, a behavior management solution really is just the skills and techniques of effective parenting.  However, when it comes to finding a solution to dealing with a child suffering ADHD or other learning disorders, there are some specific upgrades to these skills that are required.  Think of it this way, you have a drivers license and understand the basics of operating a motor vehicle, but you just got a job as an ambulance driver, so now you have to improve upon those basic skills to deal with the new set of circumstances.

For the parent seeking a behavior management solution some specific skills to master and practice are:
1) Be firm, consistent, and kind - Remember the power of praise and reward. Never use demeaning or degrading language with your child. The key to a successful behavior management solution starts with building and maintaining self esteem
2) Listen - Listen actively to your child. How will they ever listen to you if you will not listen to them?
3) Give child chores - Keep the chore appropriate. Regular chores at regular times everyday help keep a child focused, and can help to build self-discipline and a sense of responsibility.
4) Help the child remember - Many children with ADHD are forgetful. Keep a short list of tasks. These will not only help the child remember but also, he will gain satisfaction as he checks off those tasks that he completes.
5) Try to stretch the attention span - A good way is with games of increasing difficulty. Matching pictures is an excellent way to build a child's memory and concentration skills.
6) Help your child organize - Routines and schedules help a child with ADHD accept order and become more predictable

And finally one of the most effective behavior management solutions that you can learn is to prevent problems whenever possible. Keep in mind that even children with a behavior disorder do not intend to be defiant. They probably mean to do the right thing. It is best to try to prevent problems rather than dealing with them after they occur. The idea is to avoid the situations that you know tend to “set your child off” until he learns a measure of self-control.

 

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