Encourage Better Behavior

Here's a trick that Dr. William Sears, M.D. (and Cub Scout leader) has used to hold the attention of rowdy nine-year-olds.


Filed Under: ADHD Expert Tips, Behavior in ADHD Kids

At the beginning of the Cub Scout meeting a candle is lit, and as long as there are no disruptions, the candle stays burning. As soon as someone disrupts the meeting, he must blow out the candle. Once the candle burns all the way down, the group gets a special treat.

Naturally, it's in everyone's best interest to keep the candle lit, so the children help keep each other in line. You can adapt this technique to get jobs or homework completed or to improve table manners among siblings. Don't use this technique, however, if one child is going to be too frequently singled out.

From "The A.D.D. Book," by William Sears, M.D., and Lynda Thompson, Ph.D.

Related Forums
Free Newsletter
Free Gift with Sign Up
Adult ADHD
Managing your time, money, career & relationships
Success at School
Keep kids learning! Tips for parents and teachers
Parenting ADD/LD Kids
Strategies for behavior, nutrition, friends & more
 
Copyright © 1998 - 2011 New Hope Media LLC. All rights reserved. Your use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
ADDitude does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this web site is provided for educational purposes only. See additional information.
New Hope Media, 39 W. 37th Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10018