Morning Routine Help | ADHD Information
The 1.5 hours or so before DS(7.5 years) leaves for school is often torture. We have established a structured routine and that part is OK, but his nasty mouth and hateful attitude are killing me. I have resolved myself to NOT get pulled into his negative attitude. Any tips/advice on how to get through this tough time before the meds kick in would be greatly appreciated.Hi. I have the opposite problem of yours. My son is mostly pleasant but sloooow in the morning. Mostly it's getting him to wake up.
You could use a reward system for getting through the routine without an attitude or take away something he really likes for the day. Or some pleasant or relaxing music in his room. Or earplugs for you!
Good luck to you.
We have all his stuff ready to go at night.He is up at 6 with Mom. Ride is hear at 7. His breakfast/lunch so he eats with the kids taken from home. Vitamins with juice before he leaves. She loves this new schedule gives her special time with each child on her own. Daughter gets up at 7.Off at school 745.Vitamins before leaveing with her juice and a breakfast bar. There was a post on this very recently. I will try to bump it for you.
my son has his meds at 6.30am on a school day half an hour to eat his breakfast while being allowed to watch tv nothing that will wind him up its normaly younger cartoons by this time his meds have started working,
he then spends up half an hour going to the toilet,
normally this helps to keep his mood mellow he hates being rushed but if younger sibling says the wrong thing all hell can be let loose temper flare up is quick and can be over anything, he only takes about 15mins to get dressed washed and out the door,
when they get in from school hes the first to get changed because he allready nows what he wants to do
we use a reward for good attitude - bonus time on the nintendo DS his fav thing in the world, in our house i have found i have to be careful that I am not guilty of being aggravated with him b/c he is moving slow or forgetful - b/c then he gets angry with me b/c i am angry with him - the cycle thing
i know that isnt helpful but know you arent alone in the tough morning dept - best of luck
I also fought this problem. I was so tired of the battle and the argumentive behavior one day that after I took him to school, I came home and CLEANED OUT his room. The only things left in there were his bed, chest, nightstand and some books. It has taken a few weeks, but he is finally figuring out that he has to get ready with out arguing. One by one he is earning things back. I still have to stay on top of him to get things done, but he knows now that he has to do it with a much better attitude.
I talked to the doctor about this problem also, and he suggested waking him up a hour earlier and give him his meds then. But our problem with this is his meds will not last through school. That might be an option for you. Good Luck to you, I know how frustrating it is!
(sorry, couldn't resist!)
Actually, I think southern belle has the right idea. With my add kid I have found that first you have to get his attention! I've cleaned out the room before and after he saw it he realized there was something going on that he'd better pay attention to. Making him earn it back piece by piece is something I never thought of. Nice touch!