“We had planned to stop the tutoring after the 11+ exam, but with the next lockdown and more disruption to her education, we quickly relented when she literally begged us to continue going! The sessions are adjusted to her needs and she describes them as ‘really fun’ and she likes it that the work is specific to her level and much more individualised than the class work at school.”Help with ADHD Children
Help and Advice for Children with ADHD
Recently I read ‘The Boy Crisis’ by Warren Farrell, an American author who writes about family, the gender crisis and relationships. Whilst not all children with ADHD are boys, the vast majority are, and he had some interesting things to say on the topic.
Here are five tips, inspired by general advice for managing ADHD, that parents can consider.
1. Establish Consistent Routines:
– Create structured daily routines to help children with ADHD anticipate and manage their activities
– Consistent schedules for meals, homework, playtime, and bedtime can provide a sense of stability and predictability
2. Encourage Regular Exercise:
– Physical activity is known to have a positive impact on attention and behavior
– Engage your child in regular exercise, such as sports, biking, or swimming, to help channel excess energy and improve focus. It is important for parents to engage in activities with children. Especially in what we would call rough-and-tumble play with fathers. This, Farrell claims surprisingly, helps the development of empathy and confidence.
3. Limit Distractions:
– Create a conducive environment for concentration by minimizing distractions
– Designate a quiet study space, reduce screen time, and establish clear rules about electronic devices during homework or other focused activities
e.g. Devices must be charging after 6pm, no devices in bedrooms
4. Provide Clear Instructions:
– Break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and provide clear, concise instructions.
– Using visual aids, charts, or written lists can help children with ADHD better understand and follow instructions.
e.g. Write some household rules together, have a behaviour chart related to homework.
5. Implement Positive Reinforcement:
-Parenting styles can vary due to gender and family experience. It is important that parents work as a team in this.
– Recognise and reward positive behaviors to motivate and reinforce good habits.
– Offer praise, encouragement, or small rewards for completing tasks, demonstrating self-control, or following routines.
It’s important for parents to work closely with healthcare professionals, educators, and specialists to develop a comprehensive and individualized approach for managing ADHD. While these tips draw from general advice on ADHD, specific strategies for each child may vary based on their unique needs and circumstances. Always consult with professionals who specialize in ADHD for the most accurate and effective guidance.
Here our article on Understanding Learning Difficulties.
