In addition to drug therapy which of the following actions by the mother would be most beneficial to the 8 year-old with ADHD?

• A. Decrease the number of children he has contact with at a time after school.
• B. Reward him with his favorite breakfast when he is dressed for school on time.
• C. Have him do homework at the kitchen table when she prepares dinner.
• D. Place him in 'time out' for not finishing his homework.

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is using positive reinforcement to support a child with ADHD in establishing and maintaining a predictable routine alongside medication. Rewarding him with his favorite breakfast when he is dressed for school on time creates an immediate, tangible positive consequence for a specific, observable behavior. This strengthens the likelihood he’ll repeat the on-time morning routine, reduces morning chaos, and helps build self-regulation skills in a concrete, motivating way.

Punitive approaches or restructuring activities in ways that add stress—such as time-outs for not finishing homework, or homework happening during dinner, or limiting social contact after school—are less effective for promoting the desired behavior and can undermine motivation or create resistance. Positive, consistent rewards tied to clear goals tend to yield better long-term adherence to routines in children with ADHD, especially when combined with appropriate medication.