Impulsiveness in Children with ADHD

Children with ADHD typically struggle with impulsiveness. Lacking the ability to think about the consequences of their actions before they act, these are children often unfairly labeled as “trouble-makers”, “difficult” or “disruptive”, not to mention making them prone to injuries and accidents because of their lack of forethought and thinking..

It is important to realize that oftentimes, children with ADHD are not trying to be defiant or disobey the “rules” but instead are “impulsive”. It is common that children with ADHD often feel remorse for “disobeying” the rules.

Children with ADHD, as indicated above, are oftentimes unfairly labeled as being “bad kids”. Because their disability is not overt, people do not realize the child is struggling with a disorder and thus, unfairly label them and treat them negatively, in some circumstances.

As parents, we must find ways to help the child with ADHD learn to tame their impulsiveness and improve upon their behavior, making them more socially appropriate with improving their self-image. The following discipline techniques may help you as you teach your child to get their impulsiveness under control and, as indicated above, improve their self-esteem and confidence.

Impulsiveness in Children Tip #1: Teach Your Child to Think Before They Act

The first place to start is to train your child to think before they act. You’ll need to consistently practice this often at home by role-playing a variety of circumstances that your child may find him or herself in. It is recommended to teach your child to learn to count to 5 before acting and use that time to think about the consequence of their considered action.

Impulsiveness in Children Tip #2: Teach Sensitivity

Because children with ADHD can, at times, be aggressive, teach your child how to be gentle by first modeling it yourself. When you see your child being gentle and sensitive, give them praise. Some parents find a pet often helps their child develop a sense of sensitivity and gentleness; just make sure it’s a solid, rather strong animal that can withstand the energy of an energetic child!

Impulsiveness in Children Tip #3: Avoid Spanking

Spanking typically creates anger in children with ADHD as they have difficulty associating a consequence with their actions. Giving your child a time to cool-off in a designated spot may be a better option to spanking. Of course, this is just one example of the many other techniques you can implement.

Impulsiveness in Children Tip #4: Give Your Child with ADHD Choices

Allowing your child to make choices, especially when they are in a bad mood, helps the child to get something done. It helps them to stop and think before they act and helps them to learn to be responsible for their choices.

Impulsiveness in Children Tip #5: Choose Your Words Carefully

Be exceedingly careful to NOT label your child with ADHD in a negative manner. The terms “bad” or “difficult” will only make them feel like THEY are bad. It’s important they can distinguish between themselves and the action.

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