Responsibility and ADHD mix like oil and water - which is to say, not very well.
In many ways, it's not a surprise: kids with ADHD don't have the focus they need to follow through with a task.
Children with ADHD also love stimulation and as you probably already realize, doing chores or homework is anything but exciting.
Since they don't usually have the discipline or maturity to stay on task, you can expect an ADHD child to trade in boring tasks for fun stimuli.
However, responsibility is an important trait every child should master, whether or not they have ADHD.
Parenting your child should also involve teaching accountability - the ability to assume responsibility for one's actions.
While most parents know enough to tell their child to clean their room or do their homework, it's not enough to say the words.
In order to teach responsibility, you have to hold your child accountable for his or her actions.
Holding your child accountable requires you to be consistent about the consequences for not accomplishing certain responsibilities.
This should also encourage your child to meet these responsibilities next time.
Parents who do not hold their ADHD children accountable will only encourage them to be irresponsible.
The child will realize that using his disorder as an excuse will help him get away with bad behavior or incomplete work.
He will also discover that he doesn't have to work hard to get what he wants.
Unfortunately, the adult world will not go easy on someone who has not learned to manage his or her ADHD symptoms.
It's not enough to help your child overcome ADHD; he or she must learn to become a productive, responsible member of society too.
Here are some ways to promote responsibility in your child.
Define responsibility Before anything else, sit you child down and explain the meaning of responsibility.
Say that responsibilities are like making promises - they are things that you have to do because other people depend on you for it.
For instance, if you keep a pet dog, it's your responsibility to feed him and walk him.
Otherwise, your dog will go hungry and stir-crazy from lack of exercise.
Identify responsibilities Encourage your child to follow through with responsibilities by identifying them as you give compliments.
When your child does the dishes on time, say, "I'm proud of you for following through on your responsibilities at home.
" Or, "I'm giving you ice cream to reward you for meeting your responsibilities.
" Conversely, if you child fails to accomplish a task, say, "These are your consequences for not doing your homework last night.
" Keep identifying these responsibilities.
The more you do it, the more aware your child becomes of what he or she should be responsible for.
Set an example Let your child learn from your example and show how you meet your own responsibilities as a parent.
While making dinner, call your child's attention to what you're doing and show how your responsibilities affect everyone in the family - if you don't cook, nobody eats.
The idea is to demonstrate how responsibilities can impact other people's lives, and how your child can model the right behavior.
In many ways, it's not a surprise: kids with ADHD don't have the focus they need to follow through with a task.
Children with ADHD also love stimulation and as you probably already realize, doing chores or homework is anything but exciting.
Since they don't usually have the discipline or maturity to stay on task, you can expect an ADHD child to trade in boring tasks for fun stimuli.
However, responsibility is an important trait every child should master, whether or not they have ADHD.
Parenting your child should also involve teaching accountability - the ability to assume responsibility for one's actions.
While most parents know enough to tell their child to clean their room or do their homework, it's not enough to say the words.
In order to teach responsibility, you have to hold your child accountable for his or her actions.
Holding your child accountable requires you to be consistent about the consequences for not accomplishing certain responsibilities.
This should also encourage your child to meet these responsibilities next time.
Parents who do not hold their ADHD children accountable will only encourage them to be irresponsible.
The child will realize that using his disorder as an excuse will help him get away with bad behavior or incomplete work.
He will also discover that he doesn't have to work hard to get what he wants.
Unfortunately, the adult world will not go easy on someone who has not learned to manage his or her ADHD symptoms.
It's not enough to help your child overcome ADHD; he or she must learn to become a productive, responsible member of society too.
Here are some ways to promote responsibility in your child.
Define responsibility Before anything else, sit you child down and explain the meaning of responsibility.
Say that responsibilities are like making promises - they are things that you have to do because other people depend on you for it.
For instance, if you keep a pet dog, it's your responsibility to feed him and walk him.
Otherwise, your dog will go hungry and stir-crazy from lack of exercise.
Identify responsibilities Encourage your child to follow through with responsibilities by identifying them as you give compliments.
When your child does the dishes on time, say, "I'm proud of you for following through on your responsibilities at home.
" Or, "I'm giving you ice cream to reward you for meeting your responsibilities.
" Conversely, if you child fails to accomplish a task, say, "These are your consequences for not doing your homework last night.
" Keep identifying these responsibilities.
The more you do it, the more aware your child becomes of what he or she should be responsible for.
Set an example Let your child learn from your example and show how you meet your own responsibilities as a parent.
While making dinner, call your child's attention to what you're doing and show how your responsibilities affect everyone in the family - if you don't cook, nobody eats.
The idea is to demonstrate how responsibilities can impact other people's lives, and how your child can model the right behavior.
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