Help Your Kids Manage ADD/ADHD

If you have a child with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) then you know that it comes with many struggles. Children with ADD OR ADHD are often inattentive, easily distracted and sometimes hyperactive as well.

Here are a few steps you can take to help minimize the daily struggle your child faces:

1. Organize their environment

Your child might feel like they cant focus on one thing at a time. they often start one task and go to another without completing any of them . Their brain might feel cloudy and hard to focus. Clutter only adds to that feeling of anxiety. If your child does their homework in their room and they have toys and clothes scattered on the floors it is easy for the mind to wonder off. Create a clean, organized environment, put their mind at easy and make it easier to focus on the tasks given to them.

Keep schedules consistent. Create a routine for each part of the day. Find one that will work for your family so it is easier to maintain.

Example: Afternoon: Home from school, 30 minutes of free time, complete homework, soccer practice, dinner , shower, bed by 8pm.

Most families today are juggling work, school, sports, dance..etc. Even if you can manage to fit everything in your day your child might not be able to handle the same schedule. Try to keep outside activities to a minimum. Find something they enjoy, like soccer or dance lessons and focus on that. Often times children with ADD/ADHD excel in extracurricular activities.

Children need "to-do" lists as much as adults. Once you have narrowed down a routine outline it on a simple chart. This will be a reminder of tasks that need to be completed and help your child gain responsibilities for themselves. When a child is clear on what is expected of them they will succeed.

This can be modified for any age.

The most important part in helping your child with ADD/ADHD is having an understanding of what they are going through. Talk to your child about the struggles they face and try to experiment with different ways of accommodating their needs. It can be hard for a young child with ADD/ADHD they know they are having difficulties but cant pinpoint why. Help your child understand what it is and how they can overcome it.