ADHD is a lifelong condition that can make focusing, sitting still, and managing impulses challenging for children. Knowing how to support a child with ADHD helps them succeed at home, in school, and in daily life.
This guide offers practical tips for families, caregivers, and teachers to help children with ADHD thrive.
How ADHD Affects a Child’s Daily Life
ADHD can influence many parts of a child’s everyday life, and a diagnosis is made when symptoms appear in 2 or more areas, such as at home and at school [*].
In school, children may have trouble focusing, finishing assignments, or following directions, and this can make learning more difficult. Making and keeping friends can be challenging, as impulsive behavior or misunderstanding social cues may lead to conflicts.
At home, family routines can be affected when children forget chores, have trouble following schedules, or struggle to manage daily tasks such as getting dressed.
ADHD can also affect a child’s emotions and sense of self-worth. Their struggles due to their symptoms may lead children to develop negative beliefs about themselves, which can cause worry, frustration, and low self-esteem [*].
How to Support a Child with ADHD at Home
Home is where children spend much of their time, and it can play a key role in creating a structured environment for them. Strategies parents and caregivers can use include:
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Create predictable routines: Set regular times for meals, homework, play, and bedtime. They need to know what comes next so that they can stay on track with less stress.
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Break tasks into smaller steps: Divide chores or homework into short, clear steps so that they’re easier to start and finish. For example, instead of saying “Clean your room,” break it into steps like putting dirty clothes in the laundry basket, putting toys back on the shelf, making the bed, and throwing away any trash.
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Use visual reminders: Visual schedules, charts, or timers help children remember expectations without repeated verbal reminders. They promote independence.
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Keep spaces uncluttered: Organized and simple spaces reduce distractions. Designate specific areas for your child’s homework and play to help them focus.
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Offer choices - Parents can give their child limited choices at home to help them feel more in control. For example, you can ask whether your child wants to brush their teeth or put on pajamas first.
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Stay patient and encouraging: Children with ADHD may need repeated practice and reminders. Keep in mind that their behaviors are not deliberate or a reflection of a lack of effort. It helps to notice and praise positive changes, no matter how small.
How to Support a Child with ADHD in School
ADHD can affect a child’s learning, which is why appropriate supports and accommodations are necessary. Support starts with parents or caregivers maintaining open and ongoing communication with teachers and school staff.
Ways to support a child with ADHD in school include:
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Maintain regular communication with their teachers: Share concerns, updates, and strategies that work at home to promote consistency.
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Request classroom accommodations: These may include preferential seating, letting the child have movement breaks, extra time for assignments or tests, and simplified instructions.
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Consider a 504 Plan: Your child has rights at school. Section 504 is a federal law that protects students with disabilities, including those with ADHD. It makes sure they receive accommodations that help them learn without being discriminated [*].
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Explore an Individualized Education Program (IEP): An IEP is a formal plan for students who need specialized instruction, not just accommodations. Unlike a 504 Plan, an IEP provides individualized teaching [*].
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Help them stay organized: Tools like planners, checklists, and color-coded folders can help them easily track their assignments and school materials.
Self-Care for Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers of children with ADHD experience higher levels of stress due to both the ongoing demands of caregiving and ADHD behaviors [*]. This is why self-care is so important.
Simple self-care strategies can include:
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Take breaks throughout the day: Breaks may include brief moments away from caregiving tasks, such as taking a short walk, listening to music, stretching, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee.
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Prioritize sleep and nutrition: Parents can manage stress better with enough sleep and balanced meals. Adequate rest improves patience and decision-making, while nutritious meals provide the energy needed to handle the daily demands of ADHD.
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Make time for activities you enjoy: Do something for yourself that helps you feel restored and balanced. This could include reading a good book, going for a run or walk, or practicing a hobby.
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Seek support: There are families who truly understand what you’re going through, and sharing experiences can offer reassurance. It can also help you grow your understanding of ADHD and learn new strategies to support your child.
ADHD Support Groups
You don’t have to feel alone in your journey supporting a child with ADHD. Here are some well‑established options you might want to explore:
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CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD): A national ADHD organization with local chapters and support groups for parents of children with ADHD and family members. Their online communities include options for parents to connect and share experiences.
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GrowNOW ADHD Parent Groups: They offer parent support sessions focused on connection, encouragement, and skill‑building. Parents can request a specific topic, which will then be covered in a session.
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NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): They have free and confidential peer‑led support groups where parents, caregivers, and family members of people with mental health conditions can share experiences.
Resources
If you would like to learn more about helping a child with ADHD thrive at home and at school, the following pages provide reliable information:
