It is possible to have more fun with your child and experience less frustration, even if your child has ADHD. You may feel like all you do right now is remind or nag your child to brush their teeth, complete homework, get ready in the morning, and not fight with siblings. You have tried the strategies that worked with your other kids or have worked for your friends, but with no success. If your child has traits of ADHD or has been diagnosed with ADHD, this probably sounds very familiar. This blog can help you learn ADHD strategies for children that you can utilize to help your child successfully complete tasks such as school assignments, chores, and self-care.

ADHD Strategies for Children at Home

Many parents of kids with ADHD struggle to get their children to complete tasks at home. Your child may need more support than other children their age to be able to be successful at homework, chores or even maintaining hygiene.

Thankfully, there are a few strategies that will help you and your child navigate the challenges. These strategies can be used by all parents, but are especially important for parents of a child with ADHD. You may have to provide more consistency and structure in your parenting to support the different ways your child’s brain works.

1) Prioritize

When tackling challenges at home, it is important to start small. You have a thousand things you want your child to do and they all are important. Focus on the most important task first. Select 1-3 things and become highly consistent in prioritizing them until they become a habit for your child. Then, you will know it is time to move on to the next thing on your list.

While this can be challenging, it is key for success.

Remember, you will have to ignore some important things as you focus on your goals. However, doing so will be more effective. It will help your child make progress with one task before moving on to the next.

Prioritizing is especially important for children with ADHD, because they already experience difficulty remembering what needs to be done. Fewer things to remember equals more success.

So, what is the one task you want to focus on right now?

2) Create a Plan

Now that you have prioritized, create a plan with your child. If your child has ADHD, then you may need to be more explicit when creating a plan to enhance their ability to remember the plan.

Your plan should include a very clear description of your expectations for your child. It also needs to include description of what you are going to do to help them. Create a plan in collaboration with your child. This will grant the opportunity for them to express what is difficult for them and what they need from you in order to succeed. Keep in mind, you may have to adjust your expectations so that the plan works for both of you.

3) Rewards

Rewards can be far more powerful for changing behavior over time than punishments. However, they can be difficult to implement.

Identify what your child can earn if they complete the task you expect this week. Maybe it is a later bedtime, additional screen time, or the selection of your family dinner or the Friday night movie. Think of things that can be repeated, are doable, and do not break the bank. Create a menu so that your child can choose which reward they want: whatever best incentivizes them from your pre-approved list.

Rewards are effective for all children, but may be more necessary for children with ADHD. They tend to be more bored by routine tasks less likely to feel naturally rewarded by completing a task they need to do. Attaching an external reward can make the task seem feel interesting or worthwhile.

4) Praise

Praise more than you think you need to. This is so important for children with ADHD because they may often feel like a failure. Praise serves as an incentive for them to repeat appropriate behavior. It also helps boost their self-esteem.

Even if something is not perfect, praise them for the little progress you observe every week.

5) Reminders

Get creative with these! Because the ADHD brain works differently, reminders are crucial. Keep in mind, they need to be consistent with your child’s interests or strengths. You can try charts, phone alarms, visual reminders, and scheduling a check in with you, so that you can remind them about the plan and praise any progress. Choose a reminder system that works best for your child based on their age and preferences.

6) Consistency is Key

It takes times to form healthy habits and may be harder for your child with ADHD. If they are forgetful or uninterested, it can take a while to figure out what they need and create a habit.

7) Get Help with ADHD Testing in Los Angeles

Even the best parents need help! These ADHD strategies for children may sound easy. However, they can be challenging for children with ADHD to accomplish consistently. That’s why identifying and developing a strategy that works best for your child’s unique needs is so important. Every child with ADHD has different needs, strengths, and interests. It may be helpful to work with a psychologist to identify the strategies that will work best for your child. ADHD testing can also help clarify how your child’s brain works, as well as identifying their strengths and weakness.

If you are wondering if your child has ADHD and would like more information about therapy or testing, you can set up a free consultation to discuss your assessment and/or therapeutic needs.

You received a diagnosis of ADHD for your child. Hopefully that clarifies some of the questions you had!  But where do you go from here?

Whether a diagnosis feels helpful or daunting, it does give you some options. You can now make an informed decision of what will be best for your child. Consider each one and discuss them with your child’s pediatrician or mental health therapist. More than one option may be right for your child.

School Accommodations

Having a diagnosis will give you the ability to advocate for your child’s needs at school. Check out my blog on school strategies for more details on this option.

Medication

Many pediatricians recommend medication to help manage the symptoms of ADHD. Doctors most commonly prescribe psychostimulants, but other options exist. Medication is an effective treatment for many children and often improves focus, peer relations (ex. by reducing aggression), compliance with teacher instructions and work completion.

Weigh the pros and cons of medication and find a medication that works best for your child. Not all children respond to the same medications. Side effects also need to be considered and closely monitored when trying a medication. Some common side effects include insomnia and lack of appetite.

Many parents worry that the use of psychostimulants in children will increase the risk of substance abuse in adolescents. However, the majority of studies have found no increase in risk. Some studies have actually found that prescription of medication for ADHD reduces likelihood of substance abuse in the future. This may be because those who are properly medicated are less likely to self-medicate. Stimulants can be over used, either to get high or in attempts to improve intelligence, and their use may need to be closely monitored. They may not be recommended for adolescents who already struggle with drug abuse.

Medication is very effective for immediate improvement but behavioral treatment and mental health treatment should also be considered for more long term impact. For more information, check out FIU’s Center for Children and Families information sheet.

Supplements

Though generally less effective than medication, some children may still benefit from supplements. Evidence suggests that some children with ADHD have lower levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain development. For this reason, Omega supplements may help alleviate symptoms. It is unlikely that a supplement will reduce symptoms entirely, but it may be helpful for children with mild ADHD symptoms or for maintaining lower doses of medication for children with moderate or severe ADHD.

Omega-3 supplements are not considered a primary treatment for ADHD, due to lack of efficacy and the need for more research. However, it may be useful as an adjunct treatment.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback aims to develop the capacity of the brain to self-regulate at the cortical level. Theoretically, individuals with ADHD have an under-aroused brain with insufficient communication between neurons. Neurofeedback utilizes EEG technology to help train the brain to increase certain brain waves while decreasing waves that are excessively active in ADHD.

There is growing evidence of the effective use of neurofeedback for ADHD. It has not been found to be as widely effective as medication but may be helpful for those who do not respond well to medication or are hoping to maintain lower doses.

Mental Health Therapy

Due to the stress of living with ADHD, children often feel more anxious, depressed or angry. They need to learn how to cope with these feelings and also develop new strategies that work with their brain. Mental health therapy has a very good track record for helping reduce the negative impact of ADHD through behavioral and emotional strategies.

Behavioral interventions help children, their teachers and parents identify strategies that will help compensate for the symptoms of ADHD. This may include regular check-ins, organizational strategies and reward systems. Emotional strategies help children overcome anxiety, anger and sadness.

Mental health therapy does not reduce the prevalence of inattention or hyperactivity, but instead helps kids and parents cope with them more effectively. Therapy provides long-term skills and most research indicates that the combination of mental health therapy and medication as the most effective treatment for ADHD.

Here for you!

If you are interested in a consultation to see if therapy would be a good fit for your child, give us a call today. If you are not sure if you child has ADHD, contact us to discuss psychological testing.

A lack of strategies for ADHD preventing success at school is one of the greatest challenges for kids with ADHD. As a parent, you may feel overwhelmed by how to help your child. You may feel that you do not have the expertise to help your child develop effective coping strategies for ADHD.

Qualifying for School Accommodations

In order to receive additional supports or accommodations at school, your child will need to qualify for a 504 Plan. A 504 Plan is a detailed description of how the school will aim to support your child. It is not part of special education (such as an IEP). Instead, 504 Plans help children with disabilities and health impairments have equal access to school. Remember, ADHD is considered a health impairment.

In order to qualify, the school may provide an assessment or require you to provide a diagnosis from a psychologist or physician. Check with your school to see what the requirements are for receiving a 504 Plan for your child.

Strategies for ADHD in the Classroom

504 Plans document accommodations that your child will receive. Some schools and teachers may be willing to provide these supports without a 504 Plan, such as in private school settings.

Here is a list of research-based accommodations that can prove helpful for children with ADHD:

1. Reducing the number of homework problems without changing the level of content
2. Preferential seating near front of classroom to reduce distractions
3. Testing outside of classroom in a quieter environment
4. Providing extra time on tests or assignments
5. Increased positive reinforcements (e.g. rewards) and praise in the classroom
6. Meeting with a school counselor to work on academic or behavioral goals
7. Breaking long assignments into smaller parts
8. Increased check-ins to make sure student understands instructions
9. Allowing for more breaks
10. Increased support for organization and communication with parents

There are many more options for accommodations based on your child’s needs and the school’s capacity to provide support. Meeting with the school as well as a mental health professional can help you identify which strategies will best meet your child’s specific needs.

ADHD Strategies for Homework

Whether or not your child has accommodations at school, you are still going to need some strategies at home for helping with homework. Some strategies will be the same as those used at school. If your child has a 504 plan it may include a few things that help with homework, like reduced repetitive tasks for homework or extended deadlines if needed.

Here are some strategies that will help at home whether or not your child has a 504 Plan:

1. Removing distractions during homework (ex. Devices, TV in the background, etc.)
2. Set a timer and provide breaks
3. Have a specific time and place for homework
4. Schedule agreed-on check-ins to make sure your child is staying on task
5. Break down assignments into smaller tasks and goals
6. Create a system for checking in with teacher regularly to increase communication about homework (ex. Assignment record that student completes and teacher signs daily)
7. Provide rewards for completed homework
8. Create a visual checklist of things that need to go to school every day
9. Use an accordion folder and reward having no loose papers in backpack
10. Discuss plan of what needs to get done and how long it is expected to take daily

Start small and choose a few strategies to implement at a time. After all, you do not want to overwhelm yourself or your child by attempting to tackle all of these strategies at once.

How Therapy Can Help

If you need more support, arrange a consultation with a psychologist who specializes in ADHD. They can help you select and implement personalized strategies. Find a psychologist who is willing to work with you and your child collaboratively to create a plan that will work for both you and your child.

For more information on ADHD assessment as well as strategies for ADHD, you can download my ADHD Field Guide for free. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation call to discuss therapy or an ADHD assessment for your child. 

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Melissa Winfield, PsyD

I help children, teenagers and parents find hope and resilience through the tough times.

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Your child isn’t getting good grades, even though they are smart. Maybe you spend hours convincing and helping them to  complete to their homework. Or they rush through their work, making many mistakes. Perhaps they forget to turn in their homework. Or teachers are concerned about their ability to focus in class.

If these scholastic struggles sound familiar, then a psychological assessment for ADHD can provide the answers you need.

What Are The Benefits Of An ADHD Assessment?

An ADHD assessment assesses multiple factors that can help you understand your child and learn how they can succeed academically. A comprehensive assessment can provide additional answers. The benefits of a comprehensive ADHD assessment include understanding how your child brain functions, how they learn, and what other emotional challenges, such as anxiety or depression, are contributing.

The process of an ADHD assessment provides three major answers:

What an ADHD Assessment Provides

Diagnosis and Recommendations

Following the ADHD assessment, you will receive a written report that includes a diagnosis (if applicable) and recommendations. Recommendations include strategies for school, parenting, and medical and/or mental health treatment. You may provide this report to your child’s school if the psychologist recommends you advocate for more academic support.

ADHD Medication

Additionally, you may give the report to your child’s pediatrician or psychiatrist if you are interested in medication for your child. If you are not interested in medication, your pediatrician may recommend other supplements, such as melatonin for sleep or an Omega supplement to help with focus. Your pediatrician may address other nutritional imbalances that can impact ADHD symptoms.

Parenting Strategies

The report will also provide parenting strategies. Parenting is never easy. A child with ADHD, however, may require some additional support. This can make parenting more challenging. Additionally, parenting a child with ADHD likely looks different to the parenting your other children or your friend’s children require. Thus, recommended strategies will be tailored to fit your child’s specific situation. This can include transitioning between multiple households, difficulty with sleep, or a busy family schedule.

Empower Yourself And Your Child With An ADHD Assessment

It may feel overwhelming to meet your child’s needs especially with, no doubt, numerous other demands on your time. One of the major benefits of an ADHD assessment is that it provides a road map. It can help reveal what your child needs and how to start providing this. Then, both you and your child can feel confident to take the next steps towards effective change. 

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Schedule a free consultation call to see if an ADHD assessment would benefit your child. For more information on the assessment process and strategies, you can download my ADHD Field Guide.

Melissa Winfield, PsyD

I help children, teenagers and parents find hope and resilience through the tough times.

Learn About Melissa

The diagnosis of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is getting thrown around everywhere these days. It’s so common that some parents have become suspicious of the label while others become concerned that every problem their child has may be related to ADHD. But what actually is ADHD and would it be helpful to get a diagnosis for your child?

What is ADHD?

ADHD is more than just attention problems or hyperactivity. It is a mental health diagnosis that  includes a long list of symptoms that occur when children (and adults) have difficulty with executive functioning. Executive functioning is our brain’s ability to plan ahead, sustain attention, organize, and stop certain behaviors.

When your child is arguing for the one hundredth time about taking a shower and you want to yell at them to just do it, but instead you take a deep breath and speak calmly…that is your brain using executive functioning to monitor your behavior. Getting yourself to focus on work, planning out what you need to do today and finishing the dishes when you don’t want to…that is also your brain using executive functioning.

Attention problems are a sign of ADHD but there is more to it.

What are the Symptoms of ADHD?

Here are some other signs of ADHD:

• Loosing things frequently
• Difficulty starting tasks (Ex. Needs frequent reminders to do homework or chores)
• Difficulty completing tasks or following through with instructions (Ex. Completes homework but forgets to turn it in)
• Makes frequent mistakes on things that they should know
• Forgets things that they have to do daily
• Gets easily distracted
• Fidgets constantly
• Has difficulty sitting still in sitting is required
• Seems to be aways on the go
• Runs or climbs when it is not appropriate to do so
• Not able to play quietly
• Blurts out answers to questions
• Has difficulty waiting turns
• Does not play quietly but is always making noise

Likely your child has struggled with one or more of these items, even if they do not have ADHD. And very few children will have all of these symptoms. But if your child has many of these symptoms AND it is impacting school, their ability to make friends or making home life very difficult, then they may need additional support.

When Should I Get Help?

If you are looking at this list and your child meets more than 5 of these regularly or a specific symptom is causing significant concern, then getting an evaluation from your pediatrician or a qualified mental health professional may be helpful. Without a professional evaluation, it is difficult to know for sure if your child meets criteria. This is because there are a few other factors involved. For example, other things can look like ADHD…like past trauma, anxiety, difficulty transitioning between homes or learning difficulties.

Is Getting a Diagnosis Important?

Getting a professional diagnosis may be helpful for you to know how to better support your child and to give you a road map of what to do next. A diagnosis can help you advocate for accommodations at school, discuss treatment with your pediatrician or know how to better structure your child’s time at home.