Tips for dealing with ADHD

For children

When dealing with a child who has ADHD, there are a number of ways in which your involvement can significantly improve their symptoms. These can include:

• Sticking to a schedule and routine as this helps your child to focus more. Meal times, bed time, homework and chore times should be kept on a schedule where your child can see it.
• Organising your everyday items by teaching your child to have a place for their toys and belongings and always returning everything to its place.
• Ensuring that your child always writes down the tasks he/she has to complete in order to ensure that they do not forget anything.
• Always being consistent and clear. If you child has ADHD, he/she will need specific rules laid out for them.
• A token reward system which can come in handy so as to ensure that praise is given when needed.

For adults

With the help and guidance of a professional mental health provider, and adult with ADHD will likely be instructed to do the following:

• Make lists for activities and tasks
• Try to break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps – completing one at a time.
• Schedule events and always use a calendar.
• Make sure that everything of importance has a place – including keys, wallet and phone.
• Use sticky notes and a board to keep track of things happening in one’s life.