Teaching the 8-10 Year-Old ADHD Child Responsibility

Children between the ages of eight and ten will be atdecisions and talk to them about why the boundaries
an age where they want more social freedoms. Theyare set as such. It is equally important to explain the
will also want to have more control over their personalconsequences to not following the rules. When and if
decisions. This is a stage of growth that parents wantthe rules are violated, they need to have
to encourage while protecting their child at the sameconsequences that are consistently enforced.
time. Children with ADHD are still impulsive at this ageChildren of this age are also ready to take on more
and will need supervision and guidance in their decisionresponsibility in the home. Including a child in daily
making process.household chores teaches them responsibility. It is
Parents can help their child feel like their opinions arehelpful to have them included in the chore setting
being considered by allowing them to participate in theprocess. If possible, write the responsibilities on a piece
rule making process. Discussing their social freedoms isof paper and post it a place the child will see. Set
very important, especially for children with behavioraltimelines when the chores need to be completed by.
disorders. Specific boundaries need to be establishedThese two strategies will help the child grow into a
and enforced. For instance, the child is allowed to playresponsible adolescent as well as developing better
at a friend's house across the street, but you do notdecision-making skills.
want them to walk around the block to another friend'sDo you want to learn exactly how to eliminate your
house.child's out-of-control and defiant behavior without using
Help your child understand your reasoning behind yourpunishments, time-outs, behavioral plans, or rewards?