Teaching
the ADHD Child about Perseverance
 Goal
setting is the most important lesson any child can learn to
lead a more successful life. Perseverance is a close second.
Both of these lessons are important to children with or without
attention difficulties. As a parent, you can help your ADHD
child by teaching how to set goals and have the perseverance
to see the goals through. Here are some steps you can teach
your child about setting goals:
- Find an existing example
of your child’s goal-setting skills and problem
solving strategies. If your child has “leveled
up” on a video game or has saved money for a big
purchase, ask your child what it felt like to accomplish
his or her goal. Use this example as a reminder to your
child about the powerful feelings of accomplishment.
- Sit down with your
child and help him or her to decide on a new goal, such
as reading a book or doing well on an upcoming exam. It’s
best to start with small goals at first so your child
doesn’t become overwhelmed. You can move on to big
goals later.
- The final decision
about the goal should come from your child. Once a goal
is decided upon, write the goal down and place it in a
prominent location, for example, on the refrigerator or
on a wall in the child’s room.
- Assist your child in
writing down a series of steps to achieve the goal, for
instance, “Study for an hour every night,”
or, “Put in extra time at soccer practice.”
- Help keep your child
on track with the goal, and also be there for your child
when things don’t go exactly as planned. Children
tend to be unrealistic when it comes to how hard it is
to achieve a goal. Tell your child that this is a learning
experience and that it’s okay to fall short.
Throughout
every goal-setting experience with your children, applaud
their efforts and encourage them. Say things like, “I’m
impressed with your effort,” and, “Keep up the
good work!” Also teach your children that every goal
is a journey with high points, low points, and all points
in between. They key is for your child to be persistent no
matter what comes his or her way.
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