Children with ADHD are intelligent and have a strong desire to succeed. They are delightfully energetic and eager to try new things. The child with ADHD works hard to overcome the symptoms that plague him– including controlling emotions. He feels a huge sense of accomplishment when he completes a task successfully. Kids with ADHD have a creative way of thinking, but their creativity can be squelched by impulses they cannot control.
Parents who have a child with ADHD know their child like no one else can. They understand their child’s resourceful, unconventional way of thinking, and wish others could see the child as they do.
Controlling Emotions is a Challenge
One of the biggest obstacles facing children with ADHD is their inability to control their emotions. They get frustrated easily when things don’t go their way, and react inappropriately. They are so impulsive that they fly off the handle without notice or apparent provocation. They jump out of their seat if they know the answer to a question, and start crying if the teacher calls on another student. They can be pushy, loud, and dominating, which causes difficulty in social situations. The child who has ADHD longs to fit in. He wonders why kids make fun of him, or why he’s not included when teams are chosen or birthday parties are being planned.
Helping your child take control of ADHD and emotions is a weighty challenge. A positive, encouraging approach is the best way to teach your child to manage his impulsive behavior. Controlling emotions takes practice and persistence, so be prepared for setbacks. Here are some tips and techniques will help you get started.
Role Play Can Help Your Child Learn to Behave Appropriately
Most kids with ADHD are visual or hands-on learners. Role-playing games can help your child see how behaviors look to others. Work with your child to create some common classroom scenarios. You can act out the part of the child who is behaving inappropriately and ask your child to show you how the behavior should look. Help him figure out ways to avoid conflict, and modify his behavior. Let him practice through role-play until he feels confident.
Set Up a Reward System
Small rewards can help you encourage and support your child. For younger children, a behavior chart with using stars or stickers as incentives can be very effective. Older kids may respond better to increased privileges or social outings. Find the motivator that works for your child, and use it as a positive reinforcement tool. Most children eagerly respond to positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior. The child’s greatest reward with the positive reinforcement method is enhanced self-esteem for a job well done.
Video Games to Teach Impulse Control
Not all video games are alike, and it’s been said that some weaken a child’s ability to sustain attention or retain information. Latest research has shown that playing specifically designed games can help boost essential cognitive skills. C8 Sciences’ ACTIVATE™ program was designed by a leading Yale neuroscientist to help kids with ADHD and other disorders learn to complete tasks, sustain attention, and more. Geared toward the child’s interests and abilities, children develop essential cognitive skills that boost the ability to control their emotions the more they play.
Help Your Child Control His Impulses: Don’t Let Impulses Control Your Child
Helping your child with ADHD learn how to control emotions will help him in everything he does. ADHD is a challenging condition, but it doesn’t have to limit your child’s potential. ADHD and controlling emotions go hand in hand. Teaching your child to be in control of his emotions will carry him through the triumphs and tragedies of life.
The innovative ACTIVATE™ brain-training system is the perfect place to start. Give your child the boost he needs to keep up with his peers, and succeed in the classroom. Use the tips outlined here to help your child develop the social skills he needs. Your child is a winner. Help him build the confidence he needs to believe it.
