Everyday life with an ADHD child is not always easy and can sometimes push the affected parents to their limits. With a few tips, however, everyday life together can be made easier. Not all tips will work for every child – here you have to try out individually what works for your child and you.
Make sure you have a firmly structured daily routine
Everyday life with an ADHD child often presents itself as chaotic. Children have trouble structuring their actions and distinguishing important from unimportant tasks. That’s why it’s important to help your child in this regard. Show him how to structure an action and how to break down a large task into several smaller ones.
In order for children to organize themselves as well as possible, it is important to have a firmly structured daily routine. If dinner is always on the table at the same time and the children always have to go to bed at the same time, it will be easier for you to adjust. Surprises in the daily routine, on the other hand, should be avoided, because ADHD children usually don’t cope well with them. Fixed habits, on the other hand, provide security and calm.
You should inform your child about unusual appointments in good time so that he or she has enough time to adjust to them. But everyday appointments should also be announced again and again: If dinner is imminent, point out to your child that there will be food in ten minutes.
Establish rules
To avoid a chaotic daily routine, it is important that you establish clear rules for living together. The rules should be observable – and also followed by parents and children. It is best to draw up the rules together with your child – this way, his or her wishes can also be taken into account. Make it clear to the child what the consequences will be if he or she disregards the rules. The consequences should not be seen as punishment, but as a logical consequence of the behavior.
Simple rules to establish with your children may include such examples as the following:
- During the meal, everyone remains seated quietly at the table.
- Parents or siblings will not be hit – even in an argument.
- Computer gaming is allowed every day for 30 minutes.
- Homework is done directly after school.
Reward instead of punish
ADHD children are more likely to exhibit behaviors that are considered ‘wrong’ by others. But instead of punishing your child for such behavior, it is better to introduce a system that rewards good behavior. Praising not only makes your child feel good, it also makes you feel good. In addition, the child learns more quickly in this way what behaviors are expected of him.
For example, you can develop a system in which your child is awarded points for certain behaviors. Once the child has reached a certain number of points, they can be redeemed for an ice cream, a book, or an outing. Ideally, reward not only the actual behavior, but also the effort to exhibit a certain behavior.
Avoid difficult situations
If you notice that certain situations are proving particularly difficult in everyday life, try to avoid or at least defuse them. Plan ahead for your child’s possible reactions – this gives you the opportunity to act rather than react.
Example: If you take your child shopping with you, discuss with him that he should always stay near the shopping cart and not go off on his own to explore the supermarket. In return, offer him an attractive task, such as helping to select the groceries.
Provide targeted support for ADHD children
Children with ADHD are often characterized by a pronounced willingness to help, a strong sense of justice, as well as great creativity. Might your child also be particularly musically or artistically gifted? Be on the lookout for activities that your child enjoys and encourage them in a targeted manner. By supporting your child in the areas in which he or she is talented, you will boost his or her self-confidence.
