eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Discipline an ADHD Child for Temper Tantrums

Member
By LifeExperiencer
User-Submitted Article
(0 Ratings)
Temper tantrums can be a difficult problem for your ADHD child.
Temper tantrums can be a difficult problem for your ADHD child.
Microsoft Photos

Impulse control is a reality for your ADHD child. When those impulse problems arise in the form of a temper tantrum, it can be very hard not to have one yourself. But that would defeat your purpose as a your child's best teacher and advocate. The following suggestions are ones that we worked out with a counselor in our family and worked well.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Patience and tolerance
  • A willingness to set up a plan and follow it
  • Pencil and paper, or a computer
  1. Step 1

    Remember that your child has a more difficult time with impulse control than a child without ADHD. Use time-outs rather than corporeal punishment. And be prepared to give yourself a time-out when you need it. This benefits in two ways. You set a good example for the child. And it allows your child the time he or she needs to gain control over their feelings and become calm.

  2. Step 2

    During a period of time when your child is not upset, talk with them about what is appropriate and what is not appropriate behavior for when they feel frustrated and angry. Cut out pictures of people expressing their emotions and discuss them with your child. Encourage your child to tell you how he or she feels at various times.

  3. Step 3

    Together, again during calm moments, write up an "I Can, I Can't" chart. If your child is old enough to write, they should compose the chart with your help. Otherwise you can do the writing. For the chart, create two columns; one labeled "I Can Do When I am Angry" and the other labeled "I Can't Do When I am Angry." List acceptable behaviors under the first column: going to his or her room to calm down, counting to ten, taking deep breaths, etc. Under the second column, list all the negative behaviors that your child does when he or she is throwing a temper tantrum. These will be unique to your child. Post the list in your child's room and refer to it often. In a firm voice, remain your child of the list when negative behaviors arise.

  4. Step 4

    Put together a behavioral modification chart with a stated reward. Place a grid on paper. On the first row list positive behaviors: getting through the day without a tantrum, doing what Mom or Dad says on the first request, etc. On the left-hand column, list the days Sunday through Saturday. On each day, reward the positive behaviors with a sticker. When your child gets through the week with a previously agreed upon number of stickers, reward him or her with a special treat. These can be non-monetary rewards like special times with Mom or Dad, extra play or TV time, etc.

Tips & Warnings
  • Be sure to make use of time-outs for yourself when you need them.
  • Stick to the plan. Your extra effort will eventually pay off -- Don't get discouraged.
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Parenting Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. † requires javascript

eHow Parenting
eHow_eHow Parenting, Relationships and Family