Practical ADHD Strategies for Home

Parents and caregivers play a vital role in helping children with ADHD build focus, confidence, and independence. This handout offers three evidence-based strategies you can start using today.

Understanding ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects how children pay attention, manage impulses, and stay organized. Common challenges include:

• Inattention: difficulty sustaining focus, forgetfulness, easily distracted
• Hyperactivity: restless movements, fidgeting, trouble sitting still
• Impulsivity: acting without thinking, interrupting, difficulty waiting turns

Many children with ADHD thrive when given clear structure, positive encouragement, and visual supports that make expectations concrete.

1. Structure and Routine

Why it helps: Predictable schedules reduce anxiety and help children know what to expect next.

How to use it:

• Create a visual daily schedule (chart or whiteboard) showing morning, after-school, and evening routines.
• Break tasks into small steps (e.g., “Homework ➔ Pack backpack ➔ Reading time”).
• Use gentle verbal or timer cues to signal transitions between activities.

Tips:

• Keep wake-up and bedtime consistent—even on weekends.
• Involve your child in designing the schedule so they feel ownership.

2. Positive Reinforcement

Why it helps: Immediate praise or rewards encourages children to repeat helpful behaviors.

How to use it:

• Set clear expectations: “When you finish your math worksheet, you can have 10 minutes of screen time.”
• Offer specific praise: “Great job keeping your markers on the table—that helped you finish faster!”
• Implement a simple reward system (stickers, points, token jar) leading to privileges or small treats.

Tips:

• Focus on effort and strategy (“You stuck with that puzzle even when it got hard”).
• Provide feedback right away—children with ADHD respond best to prompt encouragement.

3. Visual Supports

Why it helps: Seeing tasks and rules in front of them makes abstract expectations concrete.

How to use it:

• Checklists: Post a checklist for morning tasks (brush teeth, get dressed, pack lunch).
• Timers and alarms: Use visual timers during homework or chores to show how much time remains.
• Labels and charts: Label shelves and bins for toys, books, and supplies to promote organization.

Tips:

• Use color-coding for different subjects or activities.
• Laminate charts for dry-erase use and easy updating.

Next Steps

1. Review these strategies and choose one area to start with this week.
2. Use the Interactive Worksheet: Home Support Action Plan to set a SMART goal.
3. Check in regularly: celebrate successes and adjust as needed.

Remember, small changes can lead to big improvements. Consistency, patience, and positive support help children with ADHD build lasting skills and confidence at home.

Interactive Worksheet: Home Support Action Plan

Use this worksheet to create a focused, actionable plan for implementing one ADHD support strategy at home. Refer to the Reading Handout: Practical ADHD Strategies as needed.

1. Select Your Strategy Area

Which of the three strategies will you focus on this week?

• Structure and Routine
• Positive Reinforcement
• Visual Supports

I choose: ________________________________________________________

2. Current Practice or Observation

Describe how you currently address this area with your child. What is working well? What challenges do you notice?

3. Write a SMART Goal

Use the SMART framework to make your goal clear and measurable.

Specific: What exactly will you do?

Measurable: How will you track progress?

Achievable: Is this goal realistic for your family right now?

Relevant: How does this goal support your child’s ADHD needs?

Time-bound: What is your target date for achieving this goal?

4. Action Steps

List 2–4 concrete steps you will take to meet your SMART goal. Include who is involved and any materials needed.

5. Anticipate Barriers and Solutions

Identify possible challenges and your plan to address them.

Barrier 1: _______________________________ Solution: _______________________________

Barrier 2: _______________________________ Solution: _______________________________

6. Supports and Resources Needed

What tools, people, or information do you need?

7. Timeline and Check-In

Start Date: ________________ Review Date: ________________

8. Reflection

After your review date, reflect on your progress.

• What successes did you see?

• What would you adjust for next time?

Thank you for completing your Home Support Action Plan! Keep this worksheet handy to guide your efforts and celebrate your child’s growth.