Rewards and Consequences For My ADD Child

There are many branches of psychology that suggest· Since many ADD kids are impulsive, make
ways to change human behavior. The ADD/ADHDsure that rewards are immediate rather than delayed.
community generally follows the idea of rewarding· Reward your child with something that is
desirable behavior and either ignoring and/or presentingmeaningful to him (i.e. extra time playing with Dad at
consequences for undesirable behavior. Again, younight, extra video game time).
know your child best. Some kids take well to praiseConsequences/Ignoring:
while others seem react well by avoiding· Your child should know the potential
consequences at all costs. I will present you with a listconsequences in advance so that he or she isn't
of some ways to reward, ignore, and createsurprised when the consequence is delivered. This
consequences. Try them to see which work best forcould prevent a potential meltdown.
your child.· Know your child's 'triggers'. Don't hand out a
Rewards:consequence that will devastate your child.
· Reward your child with verbal praise, hugs· Have your ADD/ADHD child verbalize what
and kisses, or some quality time with someone orhe or she did wrong and what he or she plans on
doing something instead of material objects.doing in the future to avoid being in this position again.
· Change rewards as often as you can. ADDThe best way to improve your ADD/ADHD child's
ADHD kids will react well to the stimulation of a varietybehavior is to incorporate these ideas is to create
of rewards.behavior contracts.