Dealing with ADHD can be hard for both parents and children. However, the 12 tips below are there to help you do so.
Build A Structured Environment
Children with ADHD tend to thrive when they follow a regular schedule. Keep your days as structured as possible. Stick to the same routines and rituals at key points throughout the day. For instance, make the steps that you follow before meals, bedtime, and homework identical from day-to-day. Even something as basic as having your child choose their clothing the night before so that it is ready for them in the morning can help them have a more structured routine.
Break Large Chores Or Tasks Into Smaller Pieces
Large tasks can be overwhelming for kids with ADHD. You can help them cope more effectively by breaking these tasks down into smaller pieces. You also may find it beneficial to use a calendar as an organizational tool. By listing out the tasks that need to be accomplished, it will be easier for your child to keep track of everything they need to do.
Keep Your Home Organized
Children with ADHD do best when there are as few distractions as possible. A well-organized home can go a long way toward creating a calming environment where they can thrive. Design a quiet area for them to do tasks like finishing homework. Make sure that items are well organized so they always know where to find what they need.
Minimize Distractions
Distractions are a major problem for kids with ADHD. Activities, like watching TV, playing on the computer, or playing video games, can all contribute to this problem. Focus on managing the amount of time that your child spends with electronic devices. Instead, encourage them to spend time outdoors. This is a great way for them to burn off energy.
Help Them Be More Active
Oftentimes, children who have ADHD have a lot of extra energy that they don’t know what to do with. Physical exercise is a great way to help them release some of this energy. As a result, they can more easily concentrate on what is happening around them. Some studies have even shown that exercise can reduce the likelihood of problems like anxiety and depression. Interestingly, a lot of athletes at the professional level suffer from ADHD. Some experts feel that physical activity allows ADHD patients to deal with their energy in a productive way.
Focus On A Healthy Sleep Cycle
Oftentimes, kids with ADHD have trouble going to bed. Unfortunately, not getting enough sleep can make things worse. To make bedtime a little bit easier, avoid allowing them to consume stimulating foods that contain caffeine or sugar in the evening. Additionally, limit the amount of TV time that they get before bed. Come up with a routine that you can do every night such as reading a book together before they go to sleep.
Help Your Child Talk About Their Thoughts
One of the problems with ADHD is that it can interfere with a child’s self-control. As a result, they may take actions or say things before they really think them through. Talk to your child and encourage them to share their thoughts when they are thinking about acting out. This can allow you to get a better understanding of how they are thinking so that you can come up with a plan that will help them get better control over their thoughts and behaviors.
Teach Your Child To Think Before They Speak
Practice having your child take a moment to pause before they speak. This can give them time to more thoroughly think about what they are going to say. You can also encourage deeper thinking by regularly asking them questions that require thought and consideration.
Keep A Positive Attitude
Chances are, your child is unaware of how their actions are affecting the people around them. It is important to provide them with praise when they behave in a way that is acceptable. You should also work hard to keep a positive attitude. Remember – even though your child may be having a difficult time right now, they will eventually get on a better path in the future.
Work With A Counselor Or Therapist
Even though you may feel raising your child is entirely your responsibility, it is okay to ask for help. Working with a therapist or counselor who is familiar with ADHD is a great way to learn new skills that will help your child succeed. It is also important to take care of your own mental health. Otherwise, you won’t be able to provide your child with the support that they need. A good therapist can help both you and your child deal with their condition in a way that is healthy and productive.
Take Time For Yourself
Schedule downtime for yourself. If you try to do everything yourself, you will eventually wind up feeling overwhelmed and burned out. It is important to periodically nurture yourself so that you have the mental strength and fortitude to give your child the help that they need. Spending a night out while your child is at home with a babysitter is a great way to regroup so that you can provide them with better support in the following days.
Remain Calm
If you want to be able to help your child calm down, you need to stay calm, as well. If your child sees that you are agitated, they are likely to respond in much the same way. Remain calm at all times, focusing on your breathing and taking control of your thoughts. It is a lot easier to calm your child down when you are cool and collected than it is when you are agitated, upset, or frustrated.
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