Help
Your ADHD Child Solve a Problem
Problem
solving skills sometimes evade the ADHD child. To solve a
problem, one must be able to focus on the issue at hand, analyze
it, and envision a series of steps to change the situation
for the better. Anyone who has ADHD (or who knows someone
with attention difficulties) can understand why solving a
problem might seem like a momentous task to the ADHD child.
Knowing how
to solve a problem is a useful life skill that also can help
the child better understand behavior
therapy for ADHD. One way parents can assist ADHD children
with problems is by walking them through the problem solving
process. Instead of criticizing or critiquing the child by
saying, “You should do such-and-so,” parents may
want to try a different approach. For example, if you’re
the parent of a child with attention difficulties, you might
suggest, “I see you’re having a problem. Let’s
brainstorm about a way to fix it.” Here are some typical
problem-solving steps you can show to a child with ADHD:
- Decide upfront that
problems are actually opportunities to grow and learn.
- Assert that you are
capable of solving the problem.
- Determine if there
actually is a problem and if the problem is worth the
time and effort it will take to fix it.
- Clearly define the
problem, and explain why you are unhappy with the situation.
- Generate solutions.
Write down as many solutions you can think of, even if
they seem silly at first.
- Choose the best solution
from your list and test it. Agree that if the first solution
doesn’t work the way you hoped, you will try a “Plan
B” or “Plan C.” You may have to try
several solutions or a combination of solutions before
something works.
In addition
to teaching the mind to think in a more sequential and organized
manner, problem-solving skills can also assist with other
general ADHD organization
skills. Most importantly, solving a problem with your child
is a terrific way to give your child hope, support, and encouragement.
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