ADHD Quick Tips

*Keep your child on a daily schedule. Try to keep the time that your child wakes up, eats, bathes, leaves for school, and goes to sleep each day.

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*Cut down on distractions. Loud music, computer games , and TV can be overstimulating to your child. Make it a rule to keep the TV or music off during mealtime and while your child is doing homework. Whenever possible, avoid taking your child to places that may be too stimulating, like busy shopping malls.

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*Organize your house. If your child has specific and logical places to keep his schoolwork, toys,and clothes he is less likely to lose them. Save a spot near the front door for his school backpack so he can grab it on the way out

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*Reward positive behavior. Offer kind words, hugs, and small prizes for reaching goals in a timely manner or good behavior. Praise and reward your child's efforts to pay attention.

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*Set small, reachable goals. Aim for slow progress rather than instant results. Be sure that your child understands that he/she can take small steps towards learning to control him/herself.

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*Help your child stay "on task" Use charts and checklists to track progress with homework or chores. Keep instructions brief. Offer frequent friendly reminders.

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*Limit choices. Help your child learn to make good decisions by giving him/her only 2 to 3 options at a time.

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*Find activities at which your child can succeed. All children need to experience success to feel good about themselves.

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*Use calm discipline. Use consequences such as time-out, removing the child from the situation or distraction. Sometimes it is best to simply ignore the behavior. Physical punishment, such as spanking or slapping, is NOT helpful. Discuss your child's behavior with him when you are both calm.