Parenting Tips
Do Your Children Climb On Things?
From The Parents Guide to Attention Deficit Disorders by Stephen
B. McCarney, Ed.D and Angela M. Bauer, M.Ed comes these tips on helping a
child who climbs on things:
- Establish rules around the house (e.g., do not jump on the beds, sit on chairs,
no running in the house, etc.). These rules should be consistent and followed
by everyone in the house. Talk about the rules often.
- Carefully consider your child's age and experience when expecting him/her
to follow the house rules.
- Demonstrate the appropriate way to follow house rules.
- Make certain your child sees the relationship between behavior and the consequences
which may follow (e.g., jumping on the beds may cause the bed to break).
- Along with a directive, provide an incentive statement (e.g., "When
you stop jumping on the bed, you may play with the video games.")
- When your child has difficulty following directions in front of others (e.g.,
when friends are over, playing a game with family members, etc.), remove your
child from the situation until he/she can demonstrate self-control and follow
directions.
- In order to determine if your child heard a direction, have your child repeat
it.
- Deliver directions in a supportive rather than a threatening manner (e.g.,
"Please stop jumping on the beds" rather than " You had better
quit, or else!").
- Do not criticize. When correcting your child, be honest yet supportive. Never
cause your child to feel bad about himself/herself.
- Be consistent when expecting your child to follow directions. Do not allow
your child to climb on things one time and expect appropriate behavior the next
time.
- Do not give directions to your child from another room. Go to your child,
get his/her undivided attention, and tell your child what to do.
- Supervise your child as much as necessary both at home and in public places
in order to help him/her follow the rules.
- Encourage your child to play with other children who behave appropriately
in people's homes and in public places.
- Help your child to understand why it is important to follow the rules at home
(e.g., if you jump off the chair you may fall and hurt yourself).
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