How do you discipline an 8yr old with... - CHADD's ADHD Pare...

CHADD's ADHD Parents Together

24,363 members6,386 posts

How do you discipline an 8yr old with ADHD?

Tmullennax profile image
14 Replies

8yrs old diagnosed with ADHD. Very smart but has self control issues. I always use positive reinforcement but it doesn't always work. Looking for tips on what to do when he acts out such as argue, scream and not follow directions.

Thank you!

Written by
Tmullennax profile image
Tmullennax
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
14 Replies
KellyAlsa profile image
KellyAlsa

I struggle with this. Being stern usually ends horribly, lots of defiance and arguments. I find that when it is something that isn’t immediately dangerous, a cooling off period is needed. If I see Evan doing something wrong, I will say “buddy, come here please I need to talk to you.” I get down to his level and tell him “no I know you probably know this already but doing (ABC) is not ok, what can we do to better next time”. I like to give him the wheel and sometimes let him decide how he should be punished. He can tell me “1 day without games” I can say “that’s fair” or “how about 2 days since it was a pretty big mistake” he usually complies or has a rebuttals (he is the king of rebuttals) but in the end he learns his lesson and it doesn’t cause a scene. Public meltdowns are the worse and if that happens i take him alone to my car or away from everyone. We talk and relax until we can rejoin the group. I have spent many christmas’ and thanksgivings in the car sometimes for an hour.

Tmullennax profile image
Tmullennax in reply toKellyAlsa

A Thank you. It is definitely a struggle but his big heart out weighs any meltdown. It's sad because people don't understand and just assume he's a bad kid.

KellyAlsa profile image
KellyAlsa in reply toTmullennax

I know that feeling so well. My heart grew like 10 sizes when his teacher said to me “Kelly, I love love love love your son, he just gets life and He can get on my level and just talk it out. He is an amazing person and I see it. I do” this was the sweetest thing anyone has said to me at his school. I was so happy to not walk into PT conferences to a teacher who hates having my child as part of her class

Tmullennax profile image
Tmullennax in reply toKellyAlsa

That's awesome! A good understanding and caring teacher sure makes a difference. He use to come home saying "I'm just a bad kid". It broke my heart, I told him "you are not a bad kid, you just made a bad choice!

KellyAlsa profile image
KellyAlsa in reply toTmullennax

I say that ALLLLL the time

Kas392 profile image
Kas392

I have the same issue with my 8 y/o. We started using the Chore Card Method. Where he gets no privileges (iPad, tv, toys, etc) until the chore is completed. We have a box of index cards that have specific chores, ones he normally doesn't do. Chores such as organize the tupperware drawer, wipe kitchen cabinets, clean out a specific area. On the back of each card we broke the chore up into smaller steps to help with the anxiety of it. Although I have not perfected this method yet, the threat of a chore card really brings him back to reality and I get the "I promise I will stop mom". I'm guess I need to be more stern and actually issue more chores than I do :-) However, its better than taking something away for the whole day and dealing with a miserable kid all day.

Another thing we do is when he really gets out of control, where he tells me that he knows this is going on. He tells me that he is running races down a hallway full of stuff in his brain. We take a step away from what ever we are doing try to go somewhere more quiet and he does some deep breathing and we talk it out. We do this when he communicates that he knows, but can't stop. This works in the moment but I'm still working on how to prevent these problems before they start.

Tmullennax profile image
Tmullennax in reply toKas392

Excellent idea!! I'llhave to give this a try. Thank you!

GoDukes profile image
GoDukes in reply toKas392

Great ideas!

Rebryan profile image
Rebryan

I have tried many different things but for right now, for us, it helps if when I recognize an outburst is coming I sit on the floor with my back against a wall. My son will come towards me, yelling, crying, screaming (or all 3) and I just remain calm sitting there offering only calm. Sometimes it’s not easy! Especially if what he’s screaming is hurtful or he’s kicking me while crying but I’ve found it makes the outbursts shorter and he comes around to calm much faster than if I yell back or if I am standing.

I’ve realized he can’t really process anything I’m saying when he’s in that state but he can get the feeling of anger if I’m yelling and it doesn’t help.

Tmullennax profile image
Tmullennax in reply toRebryan

I think your absolutely right. My husband use to argue back and forth with him. It only made things worse. It's like we adults have to learn self control in order to control our child.

510Wins profile image
510Wins in reply toTmullennax

I have said this exact statement to myself——Control yourself for him to control himself. Stay calm.... my son is 3.5 yrs and will micmic my response. He’s struggling with his emotions. It’s appearing more and more lately. I had my first preschool “you need to come pick up your child” call today. My son can’t handle large group classes... and it seems like the class is filling up more and more. Thankfully his teachers split the kids into smaller groups. But today something didn’t go well...😞 I’m thankful to have found this group site. I am learning lots of technics from all you wonderful parents... thank you so much for your posts, it’s helping me tremendously with creating my son’s environment and intercepting what could be a disastrous situation. I thank you all for the advice and experiences I’ve read on this site.

Tmullennax profile image
Tmullennax in reply to510Wins

I'm new to the group also. It makes you feel good to know your not alone and to be able to get advice from someone who understands. This is what good mom's, dad's, grandparents and guardians do, look for help!!!

WarriorWorrier profile image
WarriorWorrier in reply toTmullennax

So true !!

GoDukes profile image
GoDukes

I think positivity is huge! With my 8 yr old son, arguing goes no where. It makes it so much worse. I really think they know that they are out of control but they cant stop it. Even a calm conversation is useless until the situation has diffused a little so I usually ask him to go be by himself for awhile. They need us to give them tools to try to calm themselves down and they absolutely need to see their parents be calm. We have to lead by example.

I love the idea of the chore cards on this thread. When I do punish, I try to do it in a calm, matter of fact manner so as to not inflame the situation more. Here is your punishment, there is no argument about it.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Discipline for ADHD child

My daughter is 7 years old and seems to find a way to get into things that don't belong to her....

ADHD/Aniexty and discipline

My daughter is 12 and was diagnosed a few years ago. Recently she started falling off in school...
Kmr0505 profile image

9 yr old with adhd

hello im new here i also have a 9 year old with adhd , not alot of people will understand them. my...
jennifer425 profile image

5 year old with ADHD

Hello all, I'm new here but looking for a community resource. My son just turned 5 and has ADHD....
surfrsar profile image

8 year old son with ADHD, anxiety, depression, ODD

Hello, my name is Christina and I’m new to this support group- looking for some help. my 8 year old...
Chrismnm profile image

Moderation team

See all
JamiHIS profile image
JamiHISAdministrator
zlib profile image
zlibPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.