How to Help Kids With ADHD

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects nearly 5 percent of children in America, and is one of the most common mental disorders among children. Kids with ADHD are often easily distracted, hyperactive and impulsive, impairing their ability to function at home, socially or in the classroom. There is no cure for ADHD, but treatment can be effective. Here are some ways that you can help kids with ADHD.

Things You'll Need

  • Wall calendar
  • Markers
  • Reward stickers

Instructions

    • 1

      Maintain direct eye contact when talking with a child suffering from ADHD. Kids are less likely to become distracted if they are looking into your eyes while you're talking to them. If necessary, gently cradle their face in your hands so that they can't turn away from you. This helps kids with ADHD remember to focus on the person speaking to them.

    • 2

      Keep tasks simple. Set kids with ADHD up for success by breaking chores up into simple steps that they can complete and build upon. For example, instead of asking a child with ADHD to clear the table, ask her to put all of the forks, spoons and knives in the dishwasher. Once that step is complete, praise her for her success, and ask her to put all of the plates in the dishwasher.

    • 3

      Use positive reinforcement. Because many children with ADHD have low self-esteem, acknowledging the things that they do correctly encourages them to repeat positive behaviors. Praise your child for the specific things that you see him do right, instead of constantly talking about the things that he is doing wrong.

    • 4

      Make a schedule and adhere to it. Kids with ADHD do best when they know what to expect. Hang a wall calendar and decorate it with your child so that she knows what the schedule will be for each specific day. Incorporate stickers that denote good behavior, with a certain number of stickers earning a special prize or outing.

    • 5

      Be realistic. Is your child capable of doing the tasks that you've asked of him? There's nothing more frustrating for a child than being set up for failure. It may be that you need to reevaluate your expectations, at least temporarily. Set some goals that you know your child can achieve, so that you can both have something to celebrate. Once he is consistently meeting your revised expectations, gradually raise the bar.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Good Behavior Chart Ideas
      Parenting expert Nancy Samalin, author of Loving is Not Enough: Positive Discipline That Works, defines positive discipline as the ability to set limits without putting the kids down. Good behavior charts emphasize positives, instead of reprimands or
    • How to Calm a Nervous Child
      Everyone gets nervous occasionally, and children are no exception. For some children nervousness is a rare occurrence, but for others it is life altering. Either way, parents and caregivers can teach children coping mechanisms to help them alleviate
    • How to Intervene on Behalf of a Bullied Child
      Bullying is a common problem, and according to StopBullying.gov, 28 percent of sixth through 12th graders experience bullying and 70.6 percent of students say they have witnessed bullying in school. Kids who experience bullying are at greater risk fo