Living with Children with ADHD
From: National Institute of Mental Health
Children’s health is very important and sometimes their mental health is overlooked and disregarded as just something that they are going through at the time and they will eventually grow out of this behavioural pattern. However, this can be damaging to a child’s health and educational success, which inhibits them in the future. If you suspect that your child has ADHD or other mental health issues then getting something like a psychiatric evaluation for children could give you the information you need about your child and then help them to move forward in a more comfortable and informed environment. In terms of ADHD here are a few tips that you could use to help your child to begin with and then assess if you need any further help and support for your child.
Tips to Help Kids Stay Organized and Follow Directions
Schedule. Keep the same routine every day, from wake-up time to bedtime. Include time for homework, outdoor play, and indoor activities. Keep the schedule on the refrigerator or on a bulletin board in the kitchen. Write changes on the schedule as far in advance as possible.
Get outdoors. It’s been said that children with ADHD have midler symptoms when having the opportunity to play outside. Even playing in the back garden is enough to wear your child out and lessen their sympoms. Perhaps investing in outdoor playsets will encourage your child to get outside and have fun!
Organize everyday items. Have a place for everything, and keep everything in its place. This includes clothing, backpacks, and toys.
Use homework and notebook organizers. Use organizers for school material and supplies. Stress to your child the importance of writing down assignments and bringing home the necessary books.
Be clear and consistent. Children with ADHD need consistent rules they can understand and follow.
Give praise or rewards when rules are followed. Children with ADHD often receive and expect criticism. Look for good behavior, and praise it.
Some children with ADHD continue to have it as adults. And many adults who have the disorder don’t know it. They may feel that it is impossible to get organized, stick to a job, or remember and keep appointments. Daily tasks such as getting up in the morning, preparing to leave the house for work, arriving at work on time, and being productive on the job can be especially challenging for adults with ADHD.
These adults may have a history of failure at school, problems at work, or difficult or failed relationships. Many have had multiple traffic accidents. Like teens, adults with ADHD may seem restless and may try to do several things at once, most of them unsuccessfully. They also tend to prefer “quick fixes,” rather than taking the steps needed to achieve greater rewards.
For more information or help for your child or yourself, please contact CornerStone at 614-459-3003.