Tips to Make Life Easier for Your ADHD Student
By Huntington Learning CenterWhether a child has inattentive type ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive type ADHD, or combined type ADHD, this disorder can have a major impact on their day-to-day life, especially their school performance.
Here are a few things you can easily do at home to help your child stay on top of school, despite the challenges created by ADHD:
Develop an organizational system. If one of your child’s main issues is losing things, come up with a system to keep track of homework, important papers and electronic documents. Make sure to go over systems for maintaining an orderly backpack and desk and keeping digital files in order. Have your child dedicate five minutes at the end of every homework session to putting everything back in its place and getting their things ready for the next school day/homework session.
Embrace the planner. Mental organization is just as important as keeping the desk and backpack organized, and a day planner is an important part of that for the ADHD student. Talk with your child’s teachers about the best way to make the most of the planner (paper or digital), but at a minimum, your child should use it to keep track of all daily assignments, test dates, and homework and project due dates, and to schedule obligations like extracurricular activities and work.
Reward good behavior. Children with hyperactive/impulsive type ADHD struggle to sit still and wait their turn to talk, among other behaviors. If this sounds like your child, reward good behavior rather than punish bad behavior. Devise a plan wherein your child has goals to meet at home to earn certain privileges (such as TV time). This will give your child clear expectations and make it easier to stay focused.
Embrace the checklist. Many ADHD children have a hard time staying on task, but a checklist for those regular, daily routines (like homework time, bedtime and chore time) can make a tremendous difference. Whenever possible, create consistency in your child’s regular tasks. A simple by-subject homework sheet that you print out each day can go along with the day planner and your child can keep it on hand when prioritizing homework.
When it comes to managing ADHD symptoms, practice makes perfect. Every child is different, so it may take some trial and error to find the techniques, tools and practices that help your child the most. Support your child with learning, behavioral and organizational strategies, and they will be better equipped to confront and overcome any challenge, big or small.
ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY
Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers.
ABOUT HUNTINGTON
Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.
This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.
