Press Release Summary = Children with ADHD often experience meltdowns for seemingly no reason.
How many times has 6-year-old Johnny or 16-year-old John exploded when you ask him to do something just horrible-like stop playing with LEGOS or X-Box to eat dinner? Before you know it, WWIII has erupted. Your child is calling you names, throwing things and stomping through the house. So how do you dismantle an atomic child?
Press Release Body = (Washington, D.C.) March 7, 2006 - Children with ADHD often experience meltdowns for seemingly no reason.
How many times has 6-year-old Johnny or 16-year-old John exploded when you ask him to do something just horrible-like stop playing with LEGOS or X-Box to eat dinner? Before you know it, WWIII has erupted. Your child is calling you names, throwing things and stomping through the house. So how do you dismantle an atomic ADHD child?
1. Defuse. Instead of engaging in a screaming match yelling outrageous punishments and hurtful words, first try to settle the situation. Remain calm and unemotional. Trying to reason with a child with ADHD at this point is useless-they won\'t hear a thing you say.
2. Find Out What\'s Really Going On. Maybe John got bullied at school or scolded by a teacher. Or he messed up, feels stupid and is afraid you\'re going to be disappointed. Perhaps he misses his father.
Instead of storming into your child\'s room to lecture and list consequences, first create an atmosphere in which your child will feel free to open up. Sit on his bed giving him undivided attention, putting a puzzle together or reading a favorite book. Find out what\'s upsetting your child inside and deal with the underlying root first.
3. Enforce Consequences. After we\'ve dealt with the root cause, then discuss consequences in a calm, reasoned and firm manner.
"Johnny, I understand why you were so upset tonight. And I\'m going to talk to your teacher about that tomorrow. But even though you were upset, your reaction was unacceptable. You know you cannot yell at me, call me names and throw things. So there have to be consequences for your actions because I want you to learn to handle it differently next time. Do you understand?"
Remember, you cannot enforce RULES without a RELATIONSHIP. So take some time to enjoy your kids and laugh with them. Let them know you not only love them, you really like who they are. Then your rules and consequences will mean much more to them.
For a free newsletter filled with practical tips to help parents of children with ADHD, please visit www.celebrateADHD.com or email Kirk Martin at ADHDcamp@aol.com .
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Kirk Martin is Founder of Celebrate! ADHD and author of four books. He can be reached at ADHDcamp@aol.com .
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