whats the best way to get a childs attention in order for them to behave?

Question

two of my children have ADHD and both are on meds...but I am still having a hard time with my 6 year old not wanting to pay attention or do what she is told...

Answer 1

I used to work for a pediatrician and there's a link between ADHD/ADD and insomnia. Try to give them a benadryl tab about an hour before bed. It's safe and non habit forming. That's what I did with my daughter and it has made such a difference. Just because we put them in bed doesn't mean they go to sleep. They have their stress that keeps them up just like it does us. Getting down on their level might help. Also hugging them a little tighter than a normal hug but not to hurt them. might help bring them in so to speak. this again helped my daughter. oh about the benadryl it was recommended by my dr.

Answer 2

We have a hand signal in our house. I use it and my son's teacher uses it. I point to the bridge of my eyes which means that he needs to pay attention. We've talked about the motion - he picked what the motion would be and since he chose it - he has to follow it. For some reason it worked. My son has ADD but not an ounce of hyperacitivity so this may not work for you but his teacher has instituted certain hand motions in class for other kids who have a hard time.

Answer 3

Practice active listening. Tell them what you need to them to do and have them repeat it back to you. Your 6 year old sounds like mine, and mine does not have ADHD. However, my 6 year old would rather do ANYTHING then be sent to her room. So perhaps you can find an appropriate deterrent for yours as well.

My mother used to tell me that she couldn't punish us for forgetting what she told us to do, but she could punish us for not doing it immediately. I think this is great advice. Hold your kids accountable for being immediately obedient, because even children without learning issues are easily distracted, but if they do it immediately they won't have time to forget.

Keep at it, sounds like you're doing a good job.

Answer 4

It may be time to up the dose. I know that is what I have had to do with my son. I am thinking about having the medicine changed. It is wearing off quickly lately. He is on 10mg of Focalin XR. But I am considering the patch and would like to see if that works out. I hate him being on anything.. but he can get uncontrolable and it is not his fault. Good luck.

Answer 5

DEAR
PLEASE READ THIS WILL HELP YOU OUT OK ON HOW TO DEAL WITH MATTER AND NOT LOOSE YOUR COOL WITH THE KIDS OK. (1) LET THEM BOTH KNOW THAT THEY STILL CAN GET PUNISHED LIKE OTHER CHILD MY MOTHER SAID THAT GOD ONLY GIVES GIFTED CHILDREN TO THE PARENTS THAT CAN HANDLE THEM OK WITH OUT LOOSING THERE COOL OK. PLEASE KEEP THIS IN MIND OK RE SET THE GROUND RULES AND DO NOT BACK DOWN OK. USE THESE AS PUNISHMENTS OK.
TIME OUTS (1) TIME OUT IN YOUR ROOM MO TV ON NO TOYS NO VCR MOVIES NO DVD MOVIES PUT HER IN THE CENTER OF YOUR BED PUT ONE TOY ON THE FLOOR AND MAKE HER LOOK AT IT AND NOT GET DOWN TO PLAY WITH AND LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN. (2) PUT HER IN TIME OUT ON HER KNEES SET A TIMER BUT DO NOT LET HER SEE YOU SET IT. (3) PUT HER ON THE SOFA AND MAKE WATCH DO SOMETHING IN KITCHEN LIKE COOKING (4) IF SHE GET REALLY SMART WITH YOU WASH HER MOUTH WITH DISH SOAP (5) THE LAST RESORT TAKE HER TO YOUR ROOM CLOSE THE DOOR AND USE A STRONG VOICE AND A FEW POPS ON THE BOTTOM SHE WILL GET THE POINT JUST KEEP REPEATING THE STEPS FOR ALL YOUR KIDS OK TAKE CARE IT WILL WORK OK.

Answer 6

I would discuss this with your children's teachers. Finding out the methods they use will give you ideas, plus provide a consistency between home and school behaviors that will be comforting to your children.

good luck!

Answer 7

Kneel or bend down to her size and look her in the eyes use a stern and concerned voice to let her know what you want.

Answer 8

bribe them