School’s out, and parents or grandparents immediately start pulling their hair out.
If you have a special needs child, your hair comes out quicker.
I know. I know. I’ve raised children with anxiety, ODD, and ADHD.
These tips are a lifesaver to caretakers of many special needs’ children, and are exceptionally helpful to all other children.
Get ready to lighten your load this summer.
Implementing these tips will let you rest at night and allow peace to reign in your home.
Sound good?
Don’t worry. Life might sidetrack you but hop back in the saddle as soon as possible to following these helpful tips.
As a previous special education teacher and a mom and grandmother of children with ADHD, and everything it entails, I know the behavior changes I witnessed when utilizing these tips.
Summertime is the perfect time to build these new habits. The great thing is while super advantageous during the summer, they are also instrumental all year-long.
Can’t beat a deal like that!
Three Amazing Tips
1. Maintain a routine.
2. Set boundaries / rules.
3. Be an example.
1. Maintain a Routine
Far too often, when school stops, so does a child’s routine. Routines simplify a child’s life. It gives them order, allowing them to know what to expect.
Help them create a summer routine. Feel free to put it on the fridge. Be sure to include:
* wake-up times
* meal times
* bed and bath times
* scheduled activities like camps, ball games, or classes
This can be done in a list form, a calendar, or pictures for young children. The goal is to give shape to your child’s day – not to bombard them with an overloaded schedule, creating extra stress instead of a guide.
For older children, the first few can be verbal only.
Special Tip – Reminding children ten minutes ahead of the next activity can prevent tantrums and fits. Timers are your best friend.
2. Set Clear Boundaries
Would you like to get written up at work for something you weren’t inform about in orientation?
Of course not, but far too often, parents’ consequent or punish kids for rule violations known only to themselves. Children aren’t mind readers, nor should they be.
Expectations of behavior must be shared ahead of implementing punishment. That is, unless you enjoy fit-throwing or rebellious and angry children.
Here’s how:
* Define appropriate behaviors ahead of time, and outline the consequences for violating the rules. Put them in writing and post them. This is imperative.
* Evaluate boundaries and consequences. Ask yourself, “Are they effective for your child’s age and personality? Don’t be tempted to do what your parents did . . . just because.
* Evaluate set boundaries in relation to your time and personality. Do you have the time and wherewithal to carry out the consequences or rewards?
Consistency is the frame holding everything altogether. Choose things you can follow through with easily, or change.
Taking something away for several hours consistently for older children is more effective than grounding for weeks. Likewise, taking a toy away for a minute or until a child tells a sibling, “Sorry,” is more effective than taking away the toy for days or giving a spanking.
Special Tip – A parent’s goal isn’t to punish, but to teach appropriate behavior.
Rewards for keeping the set boundaries over time yields a higher reward for yourself, as well as making learning a new habit more appetizing for your child.
Possible rewards other than gifts:
* praise and compliments
* hugs, pats, and other affection
* stickers or extra privileges
* reading a book aloud
* watching a movie together
* spending time with you running an errand, shopping, baking, or any other task
* choosing a meal or favorite dessert
3. Model the Right Behavior
The natural reaction to a defiant child is anger. Many parents have a hard time keeping they’re cool when their child with defiant attitudes acts up. However, sometimes a parent raising their voice will only add fuel to the fire. Model the appropriate response by consciously using a calm voice and keeping your anger in check so you don’t escalate the situation.
The old adage “Count to 10” was designed just for situations like these.
Special Tip – Being an example isn’t for deviant children only. Don’t lie then tell your kids not to, or not to gossip then do it yourself.
Parenting or guardianship is never easy but consider implementing these simple tips to keep your hair looking good!
© 2023, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
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