Learning your child has ADHD can be difficult, but arming yourself with effective parenting strategies makes a huge difference. While ADHD presents challenges, several key techniques can help your child thrive at home and school. Below are some practical tips to support your child with ADHD.
Supporting Your Child with ADHD At Home
Provide structure through daily routines and clear expectations. You can use picture schedules for young children to help them understand what’s expected of them.
It may help to try tools like fidget toys and headphones to help focus as well. It’s also important to limit distractions during tasks by working in quiet spaces away from screens. Encourage movement and exercise breaks to manage hyperactivity too.
Give frequent positive reinforcement. Implement token reward systems tied to completing tasks or following rules. Be sure to celebrate small successes and positive behaviors as well.
Supporting Your Child with ADHD At School
Meet with teachers often to discuss successes and struggles. It’s a good idea to request daily report cards. You might want to ask about seat location adjustments to limit distractions in class ahead of the school year as well.
When necessary, you can consider a 504 education plan to get accommodations like extended time. For Florida based students, you can check out this guide.
Remember to work with teachers to identify strategies tailored to your child. Help teachers understand ADHD and how it impacts learning. Share what works at home, and when your children get home from school, be sure to set up a structured homework routine with breaks, and supervision.
Supporting Your Child with ADHD On the Go
At home and at school, your child will have authoritative figures to help them stick to their routines. But, what do you do when you’re on the go (i.e. traveling or spending a weekend away)? Here are a few helpful tips for supporting your child with ADHD while you’re away from home and school:
– Pack engaging toys, books, tablets to occupy them
– Allow exercise time before boarding planes or long durations in cars
– Bring healthy snacks to maintain blood sugar
– Use noise-canceling headphones
– Stick to regular schedules when possible
– Arrive early whenever possible to settle in before transitions
– Discuss behavior rules and expectations beforehand
– Praise good behavior and listening
– Discreetly inform staff in airports/attractions/public places who can assist as needed
– Build in extra time, snacks and breaks
While parenting a child with ADHD can be tiring, these targeted strategies make a difference. Stay patient, consistent, and positive. Work closely with your child’s doctor, teachers, coaches, etc… With the right support, your child can thrive in school and life.
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