Why We Needed a Manners Bootcamp

Ah, parenting. The beautiful, chaotic journey filled with endless joys and, let's be real, a fair share of challenges. As a mom who consciously parents a wonderfully spirited 9-year-old with ADHD, I’ve learned that traditional parenting advice doesn’t always cut it. My son is a vibrant, enthusiastic whirlwind, and teaching him to express himself respectfully was beginning to feel like taming a hurricane with a toothpick. I knew we needed a different approach—something structured yet fun, something that would engage him without overwhelming him.

Enter: The Manners Bootcamp. Over eight weeks, we tackled one goal at a time, transforming what could have been a monotonous chore into a lively, enjoyable experience. Here’s how we did it and why it worked.

Week 1: The Power of "Please" and "Thank You"

We kicked off with the basics: "please" and "thank you." To make it engaging, we created a "Manners Jar." Every time my son remembered his magic words, he added a token to the jar. By the end of the week, the jar was full, and he earned a small reward. Watching his pride grow with each token was like witnessing a little miracle. Role-playing scenarios where he had to ask for things using "please" and respond with "thank you" added an extra layer of fun.

Week 2: The Art of Active Listening

Listening without interrupting can be tough for any kid, let alone one with ADHD. We turned it into a game with "Story Circle." Taking turns to add to a story ensured he had to wait his turn and show he was paying attention. We even threw in silly hats and props to keep it light-hearted. By the end of the week, he was nodding and saying, "I understand," like a mini Zen master.

Week 3: Expressing Feelings with "I" Statements

Next up: "I" statements. We created an "Emotion Wheel" and took turns spinning it, then expressing a feeling using "I" statements. Turning it into a game show format, complete with a buzzer and points for each correct statement, made it a hit. He loved the competitive element, and I loved seeing him articulate his feelings so clearly.

Week 4: Polite Interruptions

Teaching him to interrupt politely was all about the "Touch and Wait" method. He’d tap my arm and wait for me to acknowledge him. We used a magic wand to make it feel like a fun, magical process, and soon, he was waiting his turn without any prompting.

Week 5: Giving Compliments

This week was all about spreading positivity with genuine compliments. We created a "Compliment Chain" with each compliment adding a link to a paper chain. By the end of the week, we had a colorful chain decorating his room and a kid who was much more aware of the power of kind words. The "Compliment Hat" with a feather for each compliment he gave was a hit, too.

Week 6: Respectful Disagreement

Respectfully disagreeing without raising his voice was a big one. We role-played scenarios and practiced phrases like, "I see your point, but I think..." Using puppets and stuffed animals made the practice sessions playful and stress-free. It was like a mini puppet theater in our living room!

Week 7: Asking for Help Politely

Asking for help is a crucial skill. We set up a "Help Desk" where he practiced asking for assistance with different tasks. Dressing up in "customer service" outfits and using funny voices turned it into a laugh-filled learning experience. He started seeing asking for help as a normal and respectful thing to do.

Week 8: Apologizing Sincerely

Finally, we focused on sincere apologies. We practiced writing and saying apologies for various hypothetical scenarios. Creating a "Sorry Song" and "Sorry Dance" added a layer of fun and helped him remember the importance of a heartfelt apology.

Our Experience: The Transformation

After eight weeks, we held a "Manners Party" where my son showcased all the skills he’d learned. We had a small ceremony, complete with a "Respectful Communicator" certificate and his favorite treats. The transformation was incredible. He was more polite, more thoughtful, and, most importantly, more confident in expressing himself respectfully.

This bootcamp wasn’t just about teaching manners; it was about understanding his unique needs and turning learning into a fun, engaging adventure. For any parent out there struggling with similar challenges, I can’t recommend this approach enough. It’s a game-changer.

Are You Struggling as a New ADHD Parent??

Hey there, overwhelmed warrior parent! Yeah, I see you—buried under a mountain of ADHD research, half-eaten snacks, and a to-do list that never ends. Let’s be real: you’re doing the best you can, but this ADHD parenting gig is tough as hell.

But here’s the thing—you don’t have to do it alone, and you definitely don’t have to do it without a plan. That’s where Sanity Restored comes in. This isn’t just another generic parenting program. Nope. This is your step-by-step roadmap to getting your life (and your sanity!) back on track. Think of it as your lifeline to a community of badass parents who get it, expert resources that actually work, and one-on-one support that’ll have you breathing easier by the end of Week 1.

So if you’re ready to swap chaos for clarity and exhaustion for empowerment, click that sign-up link. Your next session starts October 1, and trust me—you don’t want to miss it. Sanity is just a click away!

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Conclusion

Parenting a child with ADHD comes with its unique set of challenges, but with patience, creativity, and a dash of fun, those challenges can become opportunities for growth. The Manners Bootcamp worked wonders for us, and I hope it can do the same for you.

If you found this article helpful, check out our piece on the correlation between ADHD and aggression. Exploring the Link Between Childhood ADHD and Aggression: Unraveling the Connection | The Meditated Mama

Here’s to raising respectful, expressive, and happy kids—one fun week at a time!