Select this resource

Using Routines with Children with ADHD

Resource Type

Parent Handouts and Info - Parent

Description

Using Routines with Children with ADHD parent handout

Ages

All Ages

Age Groups

Preschool/Kindergarten (3-5), School Age (6-12), Adolescence (13-21)

Web Address

http://resources.childhealthcare.org/cocoon/dtw/parent-text/adhd/adhd_routines.html

Languages

English

Using Routines with Children with ADHD

Using Routines with Children with ADHD

It may seem like a cliche, but children really do need routines. Following a routine means doing the same things, at about the same time, in the same order, everyday. Routines give children a sense of security. It lets them predict the future and not worry about what's coming next. While all children need routines, children with ADHD benefit from routines even more. Let's face it though, in the real world can be difficult to follow. Juggling work, school, and after school activities make keeping a routine especially hard. As a parent, you need to lead the way in having a daily routine. Below are some ideas to help you use routines with your child with ADHD.

Start slow. Do not try to restructure your child's entire day right away. Instead, add a routine to one part of the day at a time. First, try getting a bedtime routine in place. Once that is going well, then add in a morning routine. Then consider adding in a homework routine and then a dinnertime routine. Let your child get used to each routine before adding in more.

Make it obvious. Children cannot follow a routine that they do not know. It needs to be obvious to them what to do at each time of the day. Write out the schedule and put it on the fridge. A picture schedule can help children that are too young to read learn the routine. Refer to the schedule throughout the day.

Expect resistance. Children with ADHD will likely be resistant to routines. Their struggles with inattention make following and remembering a routine very hard. You will have to remind your child about the routine. Don't let your child's initial resistance stop your efforts. Your child may just need time to adjust. If a routine really isn't working for your child, get your child's input about how to change it. Work together to create a routine that works for everyone.

Don't over structure. Having routines for morning, bedtime, homework, and meals is great. It is also possible for children to be over structured. Children, even children with ADHD, need free time to play what and how they want. Be sure you are giving your child time to play in their day. It helps to have this unstructured play follow the boring parts of a routine. For instance, leave 10 minutes at the end of your morning routine for your child to play and let your child have fun time after homework.

Praise and reward. When your child follows the routine, give him/her lots of praise and appreciation. You could even give stickers or gold stars for the sticking to the schedule. A trip to the dollar store on the weekend for a small toy could motivate your child to follow the routine throughout the week.

Back to Previous screen.