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Author:
Angie Dixon

Your son is running through the house at 92 miles per hour (you've clocked him with a State Patrol radar gun) and won't stop. Yes, he has ADHD, you know this, but you've asked and then told him to stop, and you could really care less about ADHD. You want this child to BE STILL.

In these circumstances it's easy to think your ADDHD child is being willful and stubborn. That really is probably not the case. Remember that ADHD comes with impulse control as a main component, and kids with ADHD sometimes just can't control themselves.

What to do when your ADHD child seems to be willfully disobeying you? First, take a deep breath. Count to ten if you have to.

Second, do whatever you can to redirect your ADHD child. In the case of running 92 mph through the living room, physically stop him. Step in front of your ADHD running machine, stop the forward movement, and put your hands on his shoulders to get his attention.

Third, state clearly what your expectations are in terms your ADHD child can understand. "I have asked you to stop running. I want you to stop running NOW."

Fourth, redirect your ADHD child to something else that occupies his ADHD mind and, if necessary, body. "Instead of running, would you like to stand in the corner and do jumping jacks to burn off some energy?"

Fifth, tell him you love him and that his ADHD doesn't affect that at all. "I love you very much. I can't let you run in the house because you might hurt yourself. That has nothing to do with how much I love you."

Finally, just remember that your child has ADHD, that it's an illness, and that MOST of the time he is not really deliberately trying to make you angry. Okay, he may do that once in a while. Every child does. But the ADHD child is usually very eager to please and just unable to sometimes. Keep that in mind while you're going through the steps of calming and redirecting your "willful" ADHD child.

Angie Dixon is a writer and ADHD mom of an ADHD son, Jack. For a free report on helping your ADHD son, see Angie's site "That's My Son!" at http://www.Raising-the-ADHD-boy.com

| Article Keywords: ADHD News

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to ADHD News... Symptoms and Treatments of ADD Attention Deficit Disorder is a condition that affects both children and adults, though it is more commonly diagnosed in children. Attention Deficit Disorder, also known as "ADD" is diagnosed in individuals who have difficulty paying attention or staying focused for long periods of time. Children with ADD often have trouble concentrating in class. Some display symptoms such as high energy, restlessness, waiting until the last minute to do assignments, having trouble concentrating on and completing assignments, and disruptive behavior. Other children are calm and seem distant. Some doodle or stare out the window while class is being taught, rather than pay attention. Children with ADD often act out socially, as well. Adults with ADD often go undiagnosed, as ADD is mainly viewed as a childhood illness. This makes it twice as difficult for adults with ADD. Most adults suffering from ADD don't realize they have the symptoms until their child is diagnosed. This diagnosis reflects their own actions and behaviors. However, there are several other adult disorders that mimic the symptoms of ADD, such as depression, anxiety disorder, manic depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is important to seek the help of a physician or a psychotherapist and be analyzed to ensure the proper diagnosis is made. An adult with ADD may display the same behaviors and symptoms as a child with ADD. The difference between a child with ADD and an adult with ADD is that adults are better able to cope than children. An adult suffering from ADD may experience restlessness, inability to concentrate on work or other tasks, difficulty staying organized, difficulty maintaining relationships, and compulsive behavior. An adult diagnosed with attention deficit disorder may be...