ADHD: Helping Your Child Get Things Done


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Introduction


One of the most difficult things about parenting a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is getting your child to do what you ask. Daily routines, such as getting ready for school or bed and getting homework done, can become battlegrounds.

ADHD symptoms—inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity—are obstacles to understanding and following instructions. Unless your child learns how to overcome or adapt his or her symptoms, he or she may fail to develop the skills for success in life. Fortunately, you can help.

Key points

  • Your child is not intentionally ignoring, defying, or disobeying your instructions. He or she is not dumb or lazy.
  • Unexpected changes in daily routines are upsetting for a child with ADHD.
  • Remove as many distractions as possible from your child's surroundings when he or she is doing a task.

What? - What is the medical information or key concepts related to the action? What does it mean to help your child accomplish tasks at home?

Why? - Why the action is important? Why should you help your child with ADHD accomplish tasks at home?

How? - Learn the steps involved in taking action. How can you help your child with ADHD accomplish tasks at home?

Where? - Other resources and organizations that can help you take action Where to go from here

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Last updated: April 17, 2008
Author: Jeannette Curtis
Reviewed By: Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Mina Dulcan, MD - Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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