In many ways, children with ADHD are actually no different than other 10-year-olds. They interrupt conversations at the dinner table, fidget at solemn events like weddings or funerals, and blurt out inappropriate comments. The only real difference is that children with ADHD do them more frequently than those without. Aside from making sure that your child receives the right natural ADHD treatments, it's also important that he or she is well instructed in social graces. Learning good manners makes it easier for people to warm up to a socially immature child; at the same time, your child will have an easier time making and keeping friends. Here are some tips on teaching social graces to a child with ADHD.
Capture bad behavior on camera
When your child picks a fight with other kids or throws a tantrum at the supermarket, consider taking a quick video and showing this to your child when the dust has settled. Many parents have discovered that their children no longer display rude behavior after being made aware of how badly he or she acted.
Set a good example
By simply displaying good manners at social events, there's a great chance your kids will follow your example. Make eye contact with people, say please and thank you, and pay attention to guests at your home. It also helps to treat your child with the same courtesy you'd like to receive - e.g. don't interrupt your child, or give thanks when he or she does errands.
Practice with a training meal
Instead of nagging your child about his or her manners during mealtimes, practice them at a training meal. Pick one dinner each week where good manners are required. Let your child know what behaviors should be expected, then take the lead by demonstrating these manners. If your child will be going to a birthday party or a family event, rehearse the behaviors that are expected of him or her - when and how to say hello, thank you, good-bye, or excuse me.
Reinforce good manners with praise
Make sure to compliment your child every time he or she remembers to use polite behavior. But don't just give empty praise - point out which specific behavior works too. For instance, you could say, "It was very nice of you to stop watching TV and greet Aunt Sally when she came." Not only will this make a child feel good about himself or herself, but the compliment also cements the lesson.
Enroll adolescents and teens in a class
Since adolescents and teens hardly listen to their parents, sign your child up for etiquette classes at the local community college, ADHD coach, or the YMCA. While he or she might object at first, adolescents will be more receptive to advice from a third party than their parents.
Dr. Yannick Pauli is an expert on natural approaches to ADHD and the author of the popular self-help home-program The Unritalin Solution. He is Director of the Centre Neurofit in Lausanne, Switzerland and has a passion taking care of children with ADHD. Click on the link for more great information about what is adhd.
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