How to Reward a Child With ADHD

Parenting or teaching a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be just as rewarding as it can be overwhelming. According to ADDitude Magazine, much of the attention children with ADHD receive from their teachers and peers is a result of misbehavior. As with most children, even those with ADHD love to be rewarded. For children with ADHD, it is very important to use positive reinforcement and develop a clear system of expectations and rewards.

Instructions

    • 1
      Establish clear expectations, rewards and consequences.

      Write down the rules or expectations for the child, and display them in a place where they are easily seen. This will serve as a reminder to the child what is expected of him or her. It is also important to tell the child what is expected of him or her and the rewards and consequences associated with each expectation.

    • 2
      It is important to take note of positive behaviors in children with ADHD.

      Be aware and ready to recognize positive behaviors. Because much of the attention children with ADHD receive is negative, it might take some extra effort to be aware of positive behaviors. If children with ADHD have clear and consistent rules, they typically respond with more positive behaviors because they thrive on predictable patterns and structures.

    • 3

      Consistently reward positive behavior. Children with ADHD rely on consistency to motivate them and keep them focused, so, therefore, it is always important to follow up with a reward. A simple smile or other positive gesture can encourage and reward minor positive behaviors. For more tangible rewards, try using verbal praise or additional privileges. It is best to avoid toys and foods as rewards.

      Just as displaying rules act as a visual reminder, displaying a chart with stickers or other rewards system might further encourage a child with ADHD to act appropriately. Small, immediate rewards are often best, but there is nothing wrong with using smaller rewards, such as stickers on a chart, to work up to a larger reward.

    • 4

      Change rewards frequently. While the consistency of what is expected and the rewards and consequences for each must stay the same, the reward should change from time to time. Children with ADHD need consistency but will get bored with rewards that never change. To keep them focused, you need to stay consistent. To keep them fresh and ready to exhibit positive behavior, vary the reward.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Teaching Children to Earn Privileges
      Children who earn privileges learn accountability and responsibility, developing a healthy work ethic and learning to foresee consequences. When parents, teachers and other adults in a child’s life work together to eliminate attitudes of entitl
    • How to Organize a Chore Schedule for Kids
      When you write out a to-do list, you’re more likely to actually get things done -- the same principle applies to your kids. Creating a chore schedule helps avoid the moaning and pouting response and makes sure tasks get done around the house --
    • How to Deal With Disrespectful Children
      Life can be frustrating for parents, but they often forget that it can be frustrating for their children, as well. Adults, for the most part, have learned how to manage their daily stress. Kids, on the other hand, have a harder time dealing with ever