We know it’s frustrating when your ADHD child doesn’t follow directions. Whether it’s because they forgot what you told them or they are getting distracted halfway through the task. Getting them to focus can be challenging, but, we have some strategies that can help!
Below are our recommendations for how to help your child focus.
- Limit directions to one or two at a time
- If you find that your child often forgets what you tell them, then you should try only giving them one or two tasks at a time. It will seem less overwhelming, and it will be easier for them to recall the tasks you asked them to do.
- Limiting directions to one or two tasks at a time also leaves less time for them to be distracted.
- Ex: Clean your room. This is too broad of a task. All of their things are in their room which can lead to them getting distracted. Break down this chore to smaller tasks. “Pick up all your clothes and put them in the hamper.” “Let’s clean up all the Legos on the floor.”
- Set a timer
- Use a timer for both tasks they like and dislike.
- Tasks they dislike (we also call these non-preferred activities)
- Set a timer for how long they need to work on a task before they can move on to something they do like.
- Make sure to tell them that they will have to back to the non-preferred task if they didn’t finish it during the time block.
- Tasks they like (we also call these preferred activities)
- If they are spending too much time on preferred activities, use the timer to redirect them back to the non-preferred task.
- Take breaks
- Once they have accomplished a task, give them a break before giving them a new one. Give them time to recharge their batteries and to let some energy out before moving on to a new task. Taking a break also validates that they have completed the job; otherwise, it can feel like it is a never ending to-do list (think about your own to-do list and how horrible that feels)
- Visual organizers/charts
- If your child has a hard time remembering any of the directions, writing them down or having a visual organizer could help them to remember what they needed to do for the day.
- Establishing a routine
- Having a set routine is important so that they know what to expect and what is expected of them.
- This includes sleeping and eating routines. Diets are important to maintain a healthy balance in their bodies, and regular sleep is important for recharging. Make sure they are staying on schedule as much as possible.
- Have a routine for when to complete homework. Again, if they know what is expected of them and there is a set schedule to follow, there should be less resistance.
- Reward good behavior!
- You want to reward them for the things that they do well. Show them you support them and appreciate how hard they are working.
- Encourage them and support them for their efforts.
- Play attention-boosting games
- Give them activities where they are practicing attention skills without it being obvious. Games like Simon says and musical chairs are fun and active, but they also require them to pay attention to properly play the game and win.
- Try to make learning active. Create activities for their lessons where they can learn while moving.
- Fidgets
- If they need to keep moving or busy during a task, that’s okay. Give them a proper outlet for it. There are a variety of fidgets that you can use so your child can get out the movements while also staying on task.
- Encourage Out-Loud Thinking
- Typically, kids with ADHD act before thinking. Encourage them to say their thoughts out loud so that you can help them learn to problem-solve before they act. You can model this by saying things like, “I’m frustrated that this doesn’t work and I want to give up. But, I can ask for help instead.”
- Distraction free environment
- When you have a task that requires focus, try to come up with a space that has as few distractions as possible. Bedrooms are not ideal because all of their things are there. They need to be in a location that would promote working.
- Redirection
- Try redirecting them when you see they have gone off task. Work together on what might be a subtle redirection but also catches their attention.
- Mindfulness
- Try some mindfulness activities or yoga poses to help them focus.
- Mindfulness can help them with body awareness and learn when their bodies and minds need breaks to help them refocus on the task later.
These are just a few strategies that can help. Contact us to learn more about keeping your child focused!