Many parents notice that their ADHD children tend to be more emotional than the average child. When they’re happy it’s as if the whole world laughs with them. But when they get angry, they can be almost violent. Children with ADHD are indeed very emotional and before you can ask – yes, it’s perfectly normal. Their being emotional comes from their inability to inhibit their thoughts or feelings; once they feel something or think something, they usually act upon it.
It’s great for children to express what they are thinking or feeling, but it’s also important for them to learn when and how to express their emotions. Kids with ADHD have difficulty thinking of the consequences before they act, and these reactions can get them into trouble. Once, a fifth grade boy’s teacher wore a short dress to class. He randomly blurted out, “I can see your underwear!” He was immediately sent to the principal’s office for inappropriate behavior and his parents were called into school. In this instance, the child may have been right but the sudden outburst was not appreciated by the teacher. Children need to learn that honesty is important, but equally important lessons include good judgment, tact, and timing.
Although ADHD treatments can improve your child’s reactions and impulse control, diets and supplements cannot teach good behavior and social skills. Here are some ways you help your child improve his or her reaction time.
Cont slowly to five
One of the simplest and most effective techniques for slowing a child’s reaction time is to count from one to five. Practice this with your child, even if he or she is not upset, so that it becomes a habit. Counting to five works on children of all ages, but it’s best to start when your child is young.
