Parenting the 8-10 Year Old ADHD Child

As children get older, parents realize theirmore of the house rules and be able to follow
parenting style may need to change tothem with fewer reminders and follow-up.
accommodate the child's growing social needs.However, children with ADHD may still need
Parents strive to raise children with social andoccasional, gentle reminders about what their
behavioral skills that will help them cultivate strong,chores are and what is expected of them. When
positive relationships with others. Children withpossible, have the child involved in the process of
ADHD may need more guidance than thosedeciding what responsibilities they will be taking on.
without a behavioral disorder, but they can stillParents will need to continue to enforce the rules
achieve this goal.and consequences set around the child's behaviors.
Children between the ages of eight and ten areAlthough the child is becoming more responsible
becoming more aware of their behaviors. Theyand is able to learn from some of his/her
are able to reflect back on what they said or didmistakes, he/she will still need guidance from his
that was right or wrong. They are also quick toher parents. Good consistent discipline will help
point out when another child or person behavesingrain the desired behaviors into the child's daily
inappropriately. Children with ADHD may notlife, setting them up for a successful transition into
develop this skill as fast as others and will mosttheir teenage years.
likely still need guidance from their parents. ByDo you want to learn exactly how to eliminate
continuing to give the child feedback about theiryour child's out-of-control and defiant behavior
behaviors they will learn how to behave in thewithout using Punishments, Time-Outs, Behavioral
future.Plans, or Rewards?
The typical eight year old child will remember