| As parents, we have a path in our minds that we | | | | increase the number of steps in your directions. |
| wish our children to follow. Often times, our | | | | Another problem may be the way in which the |
| directions get a little garbled during delivery, and | | | | directions were delivered. Was the language too |
| we can become very frustrated with our child for | | | | complicated? How about the rate of speech? |
| their lack of understanding. There are a number | | | | These two things alone can lead to confusion. |
| of different reasons why the child may not have | | | | Only use language that is appropriate for the |
| understood the directions, and it is up to the | | | | child's age. Speak in a manner that is slow enough |
| parent to figure out what the barrier is. | | | | for the child to process all the information you are |
| Eliminating sources of distraction like the TV or a | | | | giving them. |
| special toy is very important. Although a child may | | | | Lastly, ask the child to repeat what you have |
| say he/she is listening, their attention is focused | | | | asked them to do. This will tell you what they |
| elsewhere. Make eye contact with the child. This | | | | heard versus what you said. If the child did not |
| ensures he/she sees you as well as hear you. | | | | repeat what you originally asked, repeat the |
| Children with ADHD naturally have a short | | | | missed portion again. Remain calm and do not get |
| attention span. Once any set of directions goes | | | | frustrated. |
| beyond their attention threshold, they are not | | | | Do you want to learn exactly how to eliminate |
| going to hear the remainder of the directions. Try | | | | your child's out-of-control and defiant behavior |
| breaking up your directions into smaller steps. | | | | without using punishments, time-outs, behavioral |
| Three steps are usually about all children under | | | | plans, or rewards? |
| eight can tolerate. As the child gets older, slowly | | | | |