My son is 5 years old and classic ADHD kid who is fearless and impulsive. One issue we have always had is his sneaking out. At one point you couldn't go to the bathroom without him sneaking out of the house. And no matter how many locks, door alarms etc...we have used he bypasses them.
Today he shocked me....I was working at the time BTW my mother lives with us. My husband left him in the basement playroom with the Playstation game that he loves and sits quietly for long periods of time with. BUT my husband didn't lock the exit door of the basement that exits outdoors. He went upstairs with the baby to feed her and play with her listening for my son and heard the game and thought he was fine. Well he wasn't my son decided to take a walk, he exited the basement door and took a LONG walk a few blocks away. Thank GOD my neighbor was out for a job and found him claiming he was "waiting for a Taxi to take him home" I was sick to my stomache when I found out what he did. I know we let our guard down lately since he's been so good. I have him on a suger reduced diet since this seems to work for him (no meds) and he's been AWSOME. We have had less behavior problems since I started this and it's been quite some time since he displayed such negative impulsive behavior so we were allowing him small amounts of freedom to reward his positive behavior and one example was being allowed to play the video game while my husband went upstairs something we have done in the past without incident but for some reason today was different. My son's reason was he thought my husband went to the store and wanted to find a cab or bus to take him to daddy he is EXTREMELY attached to my husband and it's not new for him to want to be anywhere my husband is.
I just am at a loss I feel thankful to god for watching over my son today and getting him home safe but I am so scared to death. Even when I lock the doors he finds an escape and normal locks mean nothing to him since he surpasses them anyway. And unfortunatly my husband never heard the basement door alarm and my son was smart enough to shut the door quickly.
Anyway I gave the lecture and the game system has been removed he is no longer allowed to play it since he lost my trust. He is not allowed in another ROOM without an adult shadowing him now which annoys him since he's the type to enjoy his little independance so even to get a juice from the fridge involves adult supervision.
I am just at a loss I thought he was doing better but we took 30 steps back today and I am scared to tears of what this child will do.
Please don't pass negative judgement I know the what if's and I am beating myself and my husband up over this as it is I don't need more negative right now I trully need helpful tips and support from others who are there with me
[QUOTE=Runninonempty]He is not allowed in another ROOM without an adult shadowing him now which annoys him since he's the type to enjoy his little independance so even to get a juice from the fridge involves adult supervision.[/QUOTE]
I think this is an excellent idea, particularly since he appreciates his own space. This will impact him. Remember, when giving out consequences, they should relate to the problem at hand. I'm not sure if taking away the game was necessary but perhaps playing it without supervision is valid. For example, if he's downstairs playing the game and mom or dad need to go upstairs, then he's to shut the game off and go upstairs with you. Taking the game away completely doesn't relate to him running out of the house. You want to teach him the importance of safety and not so much punish him .. at least that's just my opinion. Adult supervision << excellent idea. As for the locks, is there a way of installing some bells on the outside of the house? That way when the doors open, you can hear a chime? Or maybe on the doorknobs inside? That way if he removes them, you can hear him in the act? Just a lame suggestion.
Sorry you're having such a stressful time with this. I can somewhat relate. My son is a bolter. He won't leave the house but when on outtings, any chance he gets, he'll bolt. Luckily, he's getting better now. Good grief!
i am in the same situation with my son,i can't even go to the toilet as soon as i leave the room,he bolts or do something like spreading ketchup everywhere.he tries to swallow marbles or razor blades,play with knifes ect...he used to try to jump out of windows from second floor,we just spent £5000 to have new windows with locks.
yes they need to be watched 24/7 and no you are not super parents who can predict everything he is going to do in advance.i noticed that our children are very good at making us think that they are improving and when you less expect it,they take advantage.unfortunately i do not have advice just that you are doing your best and you are not perfect.
I too have no advice my girl has impulsiveness but did not do anything like that. Hopefully someone else could help better.Is there anyway you can have a security system with a "Chime" mode installed? Any time a window or door opens in my house, it sounds a "Beep Beep Beep" sound which alerts me. Just an idea. Okiemom
okiemom38962.2775347222[QUOTE=Runninonempty]And unfortunatly my husband never heard the basement door alarm and my son was smart enough to shut the door quickly. [/QUOTE]
I think they already have a security system.