How To Help Your Child With ADHD Focus in School

As a parent, your life is not always easy, and it is okay to ask for help or guidance. It may be tough understanding your child with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) as you don't have the same disorder. Here are a few tips on how you can help yourself (and help your child with ADHD focus in school).  

1. Educate yourself

It is essential that you take the time to understand how they think and feel, so in situations where they are upset about something, you know why.  

2. Create Structure

Design a timetable which your child can stick to every day. From simple tasks like laying out clothes to meals, homework and bedtime. This will provide structure in your child's life and will make it so much easier for them when they grow up.  

3. Maintain organisation

Have a particular area, like a colour-coded post-it wall or calendar, for your child's day to day tasks like homework or chores, so that they are not overwhelmed.  

4. Stay Calm

Remember, when your child may be acting out, you should stay calm and not lash out as they may find it difficult to snap out of it.  

5. Believe in your child

Having ADHD can be quite stressful, and your child may not even realize it. You must praise them when they achieve something and encourage them further, so they know that positive behaviour is rewarded. Your child may be suffering from the disorder right now, but it will not last forever, and you need to remain positive about it and give them confidence.  

6. Be involved with the school

Keep a check on how your child is coping in school with their teachers and see how you can help him/her do better. Find out whether your child should have an Individualised Education Program (IEP).  

7. Discipline with warmth

Seek assistance on how to respond to your child's behaviour from a therapist. Children with ADHD may be sensitive to anger so it may be better to correct their behaviour with encouragement and support rather than with punishments.  

8. Help your child concentrate

With so much going on in classes, a child with ADHD will find it difficult to concentrate. Find out what methods of concentration suit your child, for instance, white noise, which can help block distractions and increase productivity.

Another way to make sure that your child is not missing out is to request the school to record the lessons so that your child can go back and listen to the recording again.

These are some ways you can help your child to cope with school. Bear in mind that there are also counsellors and other parents that may be having the same issues who can give you some assistance in helping your child.