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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