Video games/TV/computer: Punishment or setting limits?

[mmrcsr]

I have a 15 y/o boy with ADHD and ODD. He is easily addicted to computer games, TV, video games, etc. We have a lock on the video games system, have his TV out of his room. Just telling him to get off the games doesn't work. We've even tried giving him timers, which he ignores. When he is disrespectful, he loses these privileges. When he does something good or gets a good grade, he has "play" time.
We heard Dr. Mike talk last nite, (THANK GOODNESS) wherein he states the punishment of taking things away doesn't work. How do we then monitor our child so he doesn't flunk out of school and never sleep? My husband wants to now give him free reign and it's VERY scary!

[amimom]

I have a 15 y/o boy with ADHD and ODD. He is easily addicted to computer games, TV, video games, etc. We have a lock on the video games system, have his TV out of his room. Just telling him to get off the games doesn't work. We've even tried giving him timers, which he ignores. When he is disrespectful, he loses these privileges. When he does something good or gets a good grade, he has "play" time.
We heard Dr. Mike talk last nite, (THANK GOODNESS) wherein he states the punishment of taking things away doesn't work. How do we then monitor our child so he doesn't flunk out of school and never sleep? My husband wants to now give him free reign and it's VERY scary!

I have a 15 y/o son with ADHD and bi-polar. I agree that punishment doesn't work. I don't think ADHD kids respond well to punishment. Can you set up a contract for the grades so that he gets something in return? We pay for grades and we also create contracts for things that he wants. The contract specifies he must do so much home work 4 nights per week and in return, he gets xxx. Some days, if he wants something special, his Dad tells he has to do some homework to get it. This on-the-fly kind of reward actually works, since he's impulsive.

I love Dr. Bradley's book and also recommend "Teenagers With ADD and ADHD" by Chris Dendy.

Hope this helps, AM