7 Other Ways to Manage ADHD Symptoms
Practical routines can help channel ADHD tendencies. Behavioral specialists offer the following organization tips to help with daily function for those whose minds don’t naturally focus on the mundane.
1. Positive, mindful parenting
“Behavior management interventions, such as behavioral parent training, directly target…parenting styles in order to improve child behaviors and family relationships, and to reduce overall family conflict.” (18)
No one will argue that having a child with ADHD can be frustrating. Negative and ineffective parenting, however, exacerbate the problem by promoting defiant behavior. Children don’t wish to be punished, alienated, or medicated; behavior modification begins at home with the people who love them most.
2. Establish routines
Everything we learn becomes easier with repetition. Post the day’s schedule well in advance (using pictures for young children) and keep the same bedtime, playtime, and meal times.
3. Consciously organize
Keep often-used items in the same place and reinforce the notion of returning everything to its proper “home”.
4. Use organizational tools
Habitual use of daily journals, school/work organizers, reminder notes, to-do lists, calendars, and sports equipment shelves will help to keep things together and schedules running smoothly.
5. Abide by the rules
Establish rules that are easy to understand and consistently enforce them. Make expectations clear.
6. Positive feedback
People with ADHD usually recognize that they are somehow different. Understanding, compassion, and lots of positive reinforcement go much further to reduce ADHD responses than exasperation and criticism. Praise and constructive rewards for following the rules will promote acceptable behavior.
7. Eat the elephant one bite at a time
Large or complex tasks can be especially intimidating for people with ADHD. Break down larger efforts into smaller steps. This can create a sense of accomplishment with the completion of each step and motivation to tackle the next.