ADHD Management Strategies for Children
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BEHAVIOR |
| Create a stable
environment and routines. |
The more consistent your
home and your demands on your child the more likely they
will be able to meet expectations. |
| Plan a variety of different
activities |
Avoid boredom |
| Teach your child what
ADHD/ADHD is and what it is not |
It is not an excuse; it does not make
you bad or lazy. |
| Encourage your child to release
extra energy |
By allowing them to move in a safe environment
they are less likely to hurt themselves or be disruptive. |
| Get their attention |
Before asking your child to do something
make sure they are hearing you. |
| Promote their strengths |
School might not be their strength –
let them explore art, sports, music etc. |
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|
SCHOOL |
| Break up large tasks |
Teach your child to recognize the various
steps involved in each task they do. The total task won’t
seem as overwhelming. |
| Color code notebooks |
Each subject can be its own color. |
| For young children use one folder |
Things that go home keep on the left
& things that go to school on the right. |
| Give them breaks during
their homework |
Have them work for a pre-set amount
of time & then take a break for a pre-set amount of
time |
| Homework time should be consistent. |
Establish a routine – your child
will never like homework but will at least know the rules
around it. |
| Movement |
Allow them to move or stand while doing
their homework, or doodle while they are reading. |
| Promote & nourish your child’s
strengths rather than trying to improve
their weaknesses |
They may not be a great writer but they
can tell a great story – let them talk into a tape
recorder. |
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|
ORGANIZATION |
| Use color! |
Make it sparkle & fun! Associate
colors with activities. |
| Label bins/shelves/drawers |
It is much easier to find things and
put them away with labels (pictures for younger children).
It is also harder to put things away incorrectly. |
| Let them help you figure out where
things belong |
By involving them in planning &
putting away they will own the system and be better able
to follow it. |
| Model behavior |
Don’t just tell them where something
goes or how to break up a task show them! |
| Keep a calendar |
Record school information and extra-curricula
activities. |
by Carrie Greene, ACC, CarrieThru, LLC, ADHD Coaching
& Organizing Services.
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