Raising a child with ADHD can be difficult. Schools and the traditional classroom setting may not always work for your child, but there are ways to help them succeed in this environment.
It is integral to understand how ADHD affects the brain, and implement strategies to manage your child’s energy and tiredness, minimize distractibility and promote their engagement both in class and at home.
ADHD can be a challenging disorder, but it does not mean that your child cannot grow, develop and ultimately be incredibly successful.
In this article we will explore seven tips that you can implement to manage ADHD symptoms in your children and maximize their productivity so they can develop and learn as efficiently and positively as possible!
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1. Routine is your friend
Children with ADHD need structure and routine. The reason for this is because children with ADHD struggle to regulate themselves, are easily distracted and find it incredibly challenging to refrain from impulsive behavior.
This means that implementing structured routines which revolve around meal time, home work, chores and play will help them manage their symptoms and make it easier for them to be successful.
In short: children with ADHD find it difficult to control their behavior internally, so you must implement external controls to steer them in the right direction. To give you an idea of what a good routine looks like, check out a bedtime schedule on pinterest.
2. Minimize distractions
This carries on from the above point. Children with ADHD become distracted more easily, so it is vital that you set up a study area with minimal distractions so they can maintain focus.
The more distractions you can remove from that area, the better! If your child has trouble focusing at home or in school, get them to create their own space where they feel comfortable and able to focus.
There are plenty of ways to help your child fight distractions while studying, which include identifying the distractions, using technology to your advantage, and promoting their positive behavior through treats and rewards.
3. Set goals
Help children manage time effectively by setting daily goals for themselves. Refrain from overwhelming them with too many tasks and try to stay realistic.
Knowing how much time they have to complete tasks will help them not feel so overwhelmed.-When children with ADHD are distracted, it can be difficult for them to get back on track quickly and easily.
So teach your child the important skill of “self-talk.” This is where you coach young people through their own thoughts during a distraction, so they can get back on track quickly. More important than anything is the art of persistence.
Stick with your goal-setting, persevere through setbacks and maintain the routine which children with ADHD rely on so heavily.
4. Tutor
Children with ADHD may benefit from having a teacher or parent to act as a learning coach. When children feel overwhelmed by information and tasks it is important for an adult to step in and assist them where necessary.
If you as a parent do not feel entirely comfortable or equipped to be your child’s primary learning coach, fortunately there are many different options of tutoring now, including a face-to-face tutor, an online tutor, or even a special needs tutor like Cluey Learning, who are specifically trained to assist children with neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD.
Online tutoring is fantastic because it is so accessible, easy to use, and takes far less time and effort. Learn more about online tutoring services and how they work, and hire a specialised tutor to supplement your child’s education.
5. Take adequate rest breaks
Children with ADHD can become easily distracted, particularly when tasked with work that they do not find inherently interesting such as chores or homework.
It is very important that you implement rest breaks into their study and work routines to give them time to blow off steam.
It is also important to keep in mind that the length of time between breaks will differ depending on the age of your child.
Allow time for physical exercise, let them play a game, and ensure you are dividing their responsibilities into smaller chunks so they do not become overwhelmed.
Research has consistently found that time in nature is effective in reducing ADHD symptoms, so get them to drop the pen and go for a walk occasionally.
6. Encourage their interests
If your child finds something particularly interesting, encourage them to seek out books or videos that will further their knowledge on that subject. This can be a great way to motivate them and keep them interested in learning new things!
Children with ADHD often feel discouraged due to constant criticism from teachers and classmates, so make sure you are supportive of their interests and try to cultivate any creativity they express like this.
7. Connect with your child
Make sure you are setting aside time each day for just the two of you, where you can connect with your child without distractions or interruptions. This will help them feel loved even if they don't excel in school right away!
You can do this by simply spending time with them, or by organizing after-school activities for children with ADHD, such as team sports, scouts, martial arts or music classes.
You are an integral part in your child's learning development, so it is important that you remain involved throughout the process. This will give both of you more opportunities to succeed.
With the right help and a little determination, kids with ADHD can be amazing success stories!