7 Simple Methods for Engaging ADHD Kids' Intrinsic Motivation

Showing an ADHD child that they are needed, their bright minds are in fact bright and their endless energy can be used to solve problems sets their unique temperament into a positive, valuable posture for excellent functionality. Our goal is to root and establish that child for who they really are, not restrain their existence.

My motto is this,

“TRAIN NOT RESTRAIN the child’s unique temperament for its best light and use.”

1.     Praise

a.    Breeds confidence and if wisely administered, the child can receive it wholeheartedly.

b.    Don’t give lame praise.

c.    Raise the bar each time accordingly (child performs a little better or more extenuating problem is solved )

2.     Constructive Comments

a.    Complimentary statements for excellence or improvement

b.    State how it is better than a previous choice

c.    State how you noted their effort and how much time or concentration they spent on it.

d.    Ensure you are not trying manipulate but offering sincere positivity

3.     Asking about the project/action/choice

a.    Takes the project or action upward from the heart/soul and moves it into the thoughts, excellent training for executive function

b.    Inviting conversation takes the kinaesthetic action to a demonstrative effort requiring internal cognitive activity, then expressed in external vocabulary

c.    Inviting conversation causes them to think more about their own creation.

d.    Stimulates creativity and verbal expression of internal visual imagery

4.     Pointing out an Empty Place (time, need, empty space on a shelf, etc)

a.    Sparks the heroic self

b.    Ignites further cognition and imagination

c.    Validates the child

d.    Offers sense of completion for their environment fostering a personal sense of control over their own environment.

5.     Demonstrating an alternative way and asking what is their alternative. Then invite them to teach others how they think about it.

a.    This activity helps the child to think of how their actions can improve another’s life or situation.

b.    Positive comments along the way or leading by questions helps the child see cause and effect more clearly in an enjoyable setting

6.     Ask them to lead

a.    Causes self confidence in interaction with others/peers/family

b.    Child becomes more aware of their words, expressions and ordered thinking or (absence thereof)

c.    Takes their thoughts to the outward places so they can view how they think. No criticism, but offer help if they see a problem by asking questions

7.     Demonstrate Gratitude

a.    Excellent use of modeling

b.    Boosts child's self confidence

c.    Sets a positive mindset in child’s environment

d.    Sets child up for later when activities or behaviour are not so positive, one can then say “That one is not ok. Can you think of something more helpful?”