10 Simple Tips for Parents with ADHD Children

Image courtesy of imagerymajestic/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

    10 Simple Tips for Parents with ADHD Children

1)  Develop and utilize a simplistic organized system to keep track of school assignments, chores, and household responsibilities (e.g., using calendars, charts, notebooks, and class syllabus). Get your child in the habit of using very simple checklists!

2)   Establish a routine schedule to help complete tasks.  Your child will respond well to the predictability and structure!

3)   Assist your child with study skills by teaching them to clear away distractions, study in quiet places and take short (5 minutes or so), planned study breaks throughout designated study time.  Turn off all phones, TV’s and music. 

4)  Try to reduce distractions as much as possible when giving your child directions.  Gain their attention, make eye contact, make one request at a time, clear away distractions, repeat instructions and ask for frequent feedback from your child, “Can you please repeat what I just said?” 

5)  Postpone recreational activities (e.g., playing basketball or video games) until after completing homework or chores.  

6)   Encourage your child to get in the habit of utilizing self-control strategies such as the short phrase “stop, look, listen and think.” 

7)   Establish clear, simple written rules for your child at home and school.  Ask him/her to repeat the rules to demonstrate an understanding of the expectations.  

8)   Design your own reward system to reinforce your child’s positive behaviors. 

9)   Set firm limits and use natural, logical consequences to deter your child’s unwanted behaviors.  I recommend reading Love and Logic for help with teaching your child appropriate consequences for their choices.  

10) Look for several desirable behaviors or decisions that your child makes every day. Aim for at least 3 a day. Praise them and tell them exactly what you noticed!