As a parent of a neurodivergent child, you might often ask yourself, “How do I get my ADHD child to focus?” You’re not alone in this challenge. With the right strategies, you can make a significant impact on your child’s ability to stay focused and engaged. In this guide, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step approach to help your child stay on track. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Step 1: Create a Structured Environment
Establish a routine and designate specific spaces for different activities. Consistency is essential for kids with ADHD. By creating a structured environment, you’ll help them understand what to expect and when making it easier for them to focus on the task at hand.
Consider these tips:
- Set up designated spaces for homework, play, and relaxation
- Establish a daily routine with a consistent meal and bedtime schedules
- Use visual schedules to help your child understand the order of activities
Customize visual schedules that teach kids independence. No more nagging, no more stress.
Step 2: Break Tasks into Smaller Chunks
Divide larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This will make it less overwhelming for your child and help them stay focused. For example, if they have a big school project, break it down into smaller tasks, like researching, writing, and editing. You can also use a timer to allocate specific time periods for each task, which can be particularly helpful when using tools like Goally to manage their time.
Step 3: Use Visual Aids and Reminders
Implement visual aids to help your child stay on track. Visual cues, such as charts, calendars, and checklists, can be incredibly helpful for kids with ADHD. These aids serve as constant reminders of things needing completion and can help them stay focused on their goals. Goally’s learning tablet is an excellent tool for providing visual support and reminders for your child.
Step 4: Encourage Movement and Exercise
Incorporate physical activity into your child’s daily routine. Exercise can improve focus and cognitive function in kids with ADHD. Please encourage your child to engage in activities they enjoy, like swimming, dancing, or playing sports. Regular movement breaks throughout the day can also help them refocus and re-energize.
Here are some ideas:
- Take short walks or bike rides together
- Try yoga or stretching exercises
- Participate in team sports or group activities
Step 5: Teach Mindfulness Techniques
Introduce mindfulness practices to help your child develop self-awareness and focus. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help kids with ADHD manage their emotions and improve their ability to concentrate. Start with short, simple exercises and gradually increase the duration as your child becomes more comfortable with the practice.
Step 6: Provide Positive Reinforcement
Recognize and reward your child’s efforts to stay focused. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in motivating kids with ADHD. Praise their accomplishments, no matter how small, and consider implementing a reward system for completing tasks and staying on track. This can be as simple as earning extra screen time or a special treat.
Step 7: Seek Professional Support
Consult with professionals to develop a tailored plan for your child. If you’re still struggling to help your child focus, consider seeking the guidance of professionals, such as therapists, psychologists, or educational specialists. They can provide valuable insights and strategies tailored to your child’s unique needs and help you navigate the challenges of parenting a neurodivergent child.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Create a structured environment |
| 2 | Break tasks into smaller chunks |
| 3 | Use visual aids and reminders |
| 4 | Encourage movement and exercise |
| 5 | Teach mindfulness techniques |
| 6 | Provide positive reinforcement |
| 7 | Seek professional support |
Try Goally For Your Child With ADHD
Goally helps kids with ADHD stay focused and build skills. Unlike a Kindle or an iPad that kids get easily distracted on, Goally has no YouTube, no social media, no web browser, and especially no ads.
Goally uses game play as a points-based motivator for your kiddo with ADHD and helps them learn emotional regulation skills. It’s simple to set up and has an expert-informed design.
Remember, helping your ADHD child focus is a journey that requires patience, consistency, and creativity. By following these steps and utilizing tools like Goally, you’ll be well on your way to supporting your child’s growth and development. Every child is different, so be bold and adapt these strategies to best suit your child’s needs and preferences. Good luck!
This post was originally published on 05/04/2023. It was updated on 09/01/2023.
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We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
