Setting up systems at home to help a child with attention deficit disorder
(ADD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) manage
organizational and focusing challenges makes a world of difference.
Creating clearly delineated areas and simple systems for tasks can
lessen distractions while maximizing his or her talent and potential.
Instructions
1. Discuss your child's condition and treatment fully and openly with his or her teacher(s). Partner closely with them to make sure your child is staying on task at school and not disrupting class.
2. Discuss problem areas at school and mitigate them when possible. For example, if your child is having trouble getting math papers put away and English papers out in time, send labeled folders to put in his or her desk and explain use them.
3. Print out or purchase a calendar that your student can take to school and record upcoming and long-term assignments and tests. That way reports don't get pushed to the last minute, resulting in a lower grade. Make a note to check in with your child daily or weekly to budget in the time needed to complete those assignments.
4. Provide a well-stocked desk or table with everything needed for homework, such as pens, pencils, highlighters and notepaper.
5. Create a structured environment with set routines, schedules and bedtimes. Kids with ADD or ADHD need to know what to expect. Show your child use calendars, lists and organizers to stay on track both at home and at school, much as adults do.
6. Make eye contact to keep his or her attention focused on you. Keep directions simple and concentrate on only one step or task at a time. Break down the work into 20- or 30-minute segments.
7. Analyze upcoming situations that might trigger your child's condition (a birthday party, a field trip), and strategize to minimize misbehavior. Explain exactly what will happen, what is expected of him or her and what the consequences are for misbehaving.
8. Write down rules, along with specific consequences. Kids with ADD often have trouble connecting actions to consequences, so discipline must immediately follow the misbehavior, even if it's not a good time or place.
9. Encourage appropriate activities or sports. They not only provide a structured outlet for his or her hyperactivity, but also help build essential social relationships.
10. Work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that works as smoothly as possible into your child's school, social and sports schedule.
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