Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Strategies for Parents

Coping with Inattention

• Get their attention before giving verbal instructions e.g., by asking “are you ready?”
• Break tasks down to bite-size chunks and break up long-term projects into small daily ones, e.g., homework can be broken down to “sitting at the desk”, “opening my book” etc. Then, set your child up for success to complete these smaller tasks
• Intersperse low with high appeal activity
• Externalize time using timer/non-arbitrary measure of time e.g., length of a song, etc.
• Play games that help increase attention span e.g., Spot the Difference, Where’s Waldo?, Red Light Green Light, Freeze!, Simon Says
• Engage their sense of sight, hearing and touch in learning e.g., by watching videos, singing songs, playing games, performing experiments, etc.

Coping with Impulsivity

• Visual schedule, which is a graphic representation of scheduled tasks and activities can help children better understand the sequence of actions expected of them
• Set clear and simple rules e.g., First…Then…
• Random ‘stop & report’ check-ups can help them stay on task
• Play games that help children practice self-control e.g., Snap card game, Whack-a-Mole, hide and seek, Ant Smasher mobile game.

Coping with Hyperactivity

• Use a sensory diet, which is a group of motor activities scheduled throughout the day to assist with attention and arousal (e.g., listen to music or different sounds, paint with fingers, build a kinetic sandcastle, knead dough, rub scented lotion on skin, chew crunchy fruits or vegetables, hold a Yoga pose for selfie, bounce on the ball or take animal walks, etc.)
• Utilize their excess energy e.g., get them to run simple errands, carry groceries etc.
• Allow them to fidget as long as they are not disturbing others.
• Movement chairs/cushion/bands e.g., Wobble cushion/Hokki stool/Bouncy bands can be used during table-top tasks (e.g., when revising homework or playing board games) for the sensory input necessary to stay alert and focused

Coping with Disorganisation

• Assign areas for specific items e.g., shoes, toys, backpacks, sports equipment, keys, etc.
• Reduce clutter by cleaning out unnecessary toys and clothes together from time to time
• Use a family calendar to write down all the important appointments and schedules and remind everyone to refer to it often
• Create a homework book to encourage them to list down all the homework. Colour codes can be used for different subjects. Teachers can remind children to write their homework in this book and parents can check to make sure that all homework are completed
• Set up a family schedule for chores that include the person in charged, the task they are responsible for, the time they are expected to do them and the outcome of completing these tasks e.g., having a family meal or playing a game together once all the chores are completed
• Develop a list of house rules with your children. Make the rules simple, short, clear and understood by everyone. Come up with the consequences together and be consistent in following through the consequences

Another important component in supporting children with ADHD is to ensure that parents are supported too.

Maintain a Helpful Attitude

• Keep calm and focused on connecting with your child, that will also help your child to be calm and focused
• Keep things in perspective e.g., don’t blow things out of proportion, don’t sweat the small stuff, it’s okay not to get it right all the time
• Be willing to make compromises e.g., one unfinished chore is acceptable when your child has completed two other chores
• Believe in your child: think about or make a list of everything that is positive, valuable, and unique about your child. Trust that your child can learn, change, mature, and succeed. Reaffirm this trust on a daily basis
• Self-care: take breaks when you need to, take care of your physical health and stress levels by eating right, exercising, connecting with family and friends, taking part in relaxing activities
• Seek help: parents are not in on this alone; talk to your friends, family members, child’s doctor, teachers or a psychologist for assistance, join a parent support group or look for resources online

References

• https://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/when-your-child-has-attention-deficit-disorder-adhd.htm#:~:text=Children%20with%20ADHD%20need%20consistent,systems%20of%20rewards%20and%20consequences.

• https://tenneyschool.com/helping-childs-time-blindness/#:~:text=Break%20down%20big%20tasks%20into,triggers%20for%20the%20next%20event

• https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5642eb1be4b07a45a8657c1c/t/57ea1896d482e962c1a5a250/1474959512026/ADHD+Tips+for+Teachers%EF%BC%8DENG.pdf