Seven Ways to Help Your Child with ADHD Thrive

If your child has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you want to do everything you can to help your child focus and get along well with friends and family. Medicine is available for children 6 years of age and older, but there are other things you can try too. 

These seven strategies may also help manage ADHD symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. 

Serve healthy foods. Healthy meals and snacks—with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein, such as fish and chicken—can help reduce ADHD symptoms. Plus, a balanced diet is good for the whole family. 

Stick to a schedule. Try to follow the same daily routine, including times for waking up, going to bed, doing homework and playing. Post the schedule on the refrigerator or a bulletin board so your child can see it and know what to expect. 

Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep. School-age kids need 9 to 12 hours each night. Click here to learn more about healthy sleep habits for the whole family. 

Encourage your child to burn off steam. Whether it's playing outside or joining a team sport, physical activity can make it easier for your child to deal with ADHD symptoms. Exercise is also a good way to reduce screen time on TVs, computers, phones and other electronics. 

Get organized. To minimize frustration, have a place for household items, such as bins for socks and toys and a designated area for school backpacks. For homework, use organizers for school materials and supplies. Remind your child to write down assignments and bring home books and other necessary items. 

Help your child manage complex tasks. For things like homework, teach your child how to break down complicated assignments into simpler steps. 

Set clear and consistent rules. Children with ADHD especially benefit from consistent rules they can understand, such as "dirty clothes go in the hamper." Praise or reward your child for following simple household rules and doing a good job. Positive feedback helps children, in general, feel successful. 

For treatment of ADHD or to find a physician to care for your child’s general wellness and treatment of illnesses, view our team of pediatricians and family medicine physicians.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute of Mental Health 

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