How to Provide Structure for a Child with ADD or ADHD

Children with ADD and ADHD face tremendous challenges in focusing on tasks and completing them on time. Providing structure in your child's life can help decrease frustration for both of you. According to Helpguide.org, your child may be so distracted that he doesn't hear your instructions, so creating a daily routine is essential. By keeping his environment neat, organized and predictable, you can help minimize the internal chaos that may keep your ADD/ADHD child from thriving.

Instructions

    • 1

      Write down your child's daily schedule and post it in a clearly visible location. It might be necessary to plot out the day in half-hour or 15-minute increments, and include even seemingly mundane activities such as brushing teeth and getting dressed. Talk through the schedule with your child first thing in the morning so he knows what to expect for the day.

    • 2

      Before bedtime, lay out the items you need in the morning. For example, lay out clothes in the same spot on your child's dresser and leave shoes, socks and coats by the door. Help her pack her backpack for school so it's ready to go. The fewer variables you leave to chance, the easier it is to get out the door on time.

    • 3

      Do daily tasks with your child. For example, brush your teeth together at night, wash your face together in the morning and sit with your child to do homework. Your presence can help him focus and make tasks go faster.

    • 4

      Eat meals, wake up, go to bed and take medication at the same time each day. Keeping your child's biological rhythms steady can help keep moods and focus in check.

    • 5

      Set a timer for tasks. Explain to your child how long the task should take and challenge her to complete it before the timer runs out. Break longer tasks down into manageable chunks of five or 10 minutes, taking a quick break to stretch or jump up and down before setting the timer again.

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