ADHD exercise, the red light to stop

Faced with a situation that angers or excites them, the child with ADHD often reacts in a flash. The red light technique gives them a simple image to learn to stop, think, then act. It is often used by psychologists and teachers. Here is how to teach it and practise it through games.

A simple image

The red light technique is based on an image that all children know. At red, I stop. At amber, I think. At green, I act. This simple sequence helps the child introduce a pause between what they feel and what they do. It gives them time to choose their reaction.

For a child with ADHD, whose impulsiveness pushes them to act without thinking, this pause is precious. This reflex does not settle in a day. It is practised in calm situations. It is then applied in difficult ones. This inner brake is also worked on in the page on controlling impulsiveness.

Making the traffic light

Together with the child, you make a small three-coloured traffic light out of cardboard, with three coloured circles. Next to each colour, you write or draw what it means. Red: stop, I breathe. Amber: I think about what I can do. Green: I choose and I act.

Display it in their bedroom or on the fridge. You can also make a small version that they keep in their pencil case. They look at it when they need it. They remember the steps. They use it more and more on their own.

Red: stopping

The first step is the hardest: stopping. The child is taught to recognise the moment they need to stop, when they feel anger, excitement or frustration rising. They say stop in their head, or out loud. They take a deep breath. They gain a few seconds.

You can practise with stopping games: statues, one, two, three, sun, red light green light in the garden. The body learns to freeze on request. The child then transfers this stopping to their emotions. They learn to brake. The breathing exercises that help with stopping are described on the page on breathing.

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Amber: thinking

At amber, the child thinks. What is happening? What am I feeling? What can I do? They are helped to find several options. I can shout. I can go to my room. I can ask for help.

You also think about the consequences of each option. If I shout, what will happen? If I ask for help? The child learns to anticipate. They see that some reactions are better than others. They choose. They become aware that they have a choice.

Green: acting

At green, the child carries out the solution they have chosen. They go to the quiet corner, they ask for help, they suggest a compromise. They act thoughtfully. They are praised for having followed the steps. They feel proud of themselves.

Afterwards, you can review it together. Did it work? What would you do differently? The child learns from their experiences. They refine their choices. They become more skilful. Managing anger is developed on the page on managing anger.

Practising with role-play scenarios

For the technique to become a reflex, you practise with role-play scenarios when the child is calm. You imagine a scenario: a friend takes your toy. You act out the scene. The child applies the red light. They stop, think, act.

You can use puppets or figurines for younger children. You can also watch cartoons and analyse the characters’ reactions. What should they have done at red? The child reflects on others. They transfer it to themselves. Role-play games are also suggested in the family exercises.

A therapist's technique

The red light technique is often used in cognitive behavioural therapies for children with ADHD. The psychologist teaches it to the child and helps them apply it in their daily life. They also work with parents and sometimes with the teacher, so that everyone uses the same language. This consistency helps the child a great deal. They find the same tool everywhere.

To find a psychologist trained in these approaches, the ProfessionnelsDys directory lets you search by town. You can ask at the first contact whether they use this type of technique. Some also offer groups for children. These therapies are explained on CBT and ADHD.