If you're parenting a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you've likely heard how important it is to expose your child to routines and a structured environment. But what does that mean exactly, and how does structure help? Getting a better understanding of why routines are helpful can help you develop one that will work for you and your child. Structure means that the environment is organized and predictable. Structure is important for all children, but it can be particularly important if you are parenting children with ADHD.
One review found that all children, no matter their age, are better able to regulate their behavior when families follow a predictable routine. Having a routine can benefit your child with ADHD and the rest of the family. Structure is beneficial for several reasons:
When your child has day-to-day routines and a schedule to follow, this creates structure in their lives. Consistent house rules, expectations, and consequences clearly understood by your child (and positively reinforced by you) help maintain a predictable environment. In a structured environment, your child knows what to expect. This knowledge creates a sense of security, so most children benefit from structure whether they have ADHD or not.
Structure is a lot like scaffolding. In other words, the routines, reminders, and limits you set, and the consistency you provide gives your child the support they need to be successful and develop greater competence. As a result, your child's self-confidence grows. Eventually, this will help your child develop skills to organize and structure their lives as they move into adulthood. It is important to develop a schedule that works for your child's needs. While your specific schedule will vary based on what is right for your family, following some strategies can help you design one that will be easy for your child to follow. One way to simplify your child's schedule is to provide them with limited choices. For example, rather than asking what they would like for breakfast, give them two or three options to choose from. This will help them to feel in control while still providing structure. Be specific and break big tasks up into smaller ones. For example, instead of “chore time,” list the specific things your child will be doing, such as “pick up toys,” “feed dog,” or “sweep kitchen floor.” Breaking up bigger tasks into smaller steps will help keep your child's attention and prevent them from feeling overwhelmed.
Visual cues can be helpful for children with ADHD. Use a visual schedule to show your child what activities they will be doing throughout the day. You can use pictures, words, or even simple drawings to represent each activity. Place the schedule in a visible location and review it with your child regularly. Children with ADHD often benefit from having opportunities to move throughout the day. Plan for some physical activity every few hours. This can be as simple as going for a short walk or playing a quick game of catch. While it is important to have a schedule, it is also important to be flexible. When possible, let your child choose which activity they would like to do next, or let them take a break if they are feeling overwhelmed. You may need to adjust your schedule from day to day based on your child's needs.
It’s important to be consistent and stick with the schedule even if your child resists at first. This can be challenging and it’s important to stay somewhat flexible—just be sure that you don't give up too quickly.
Creating an ADHD-friendly schedule can help your child to feel more in control and reduce the likelihood of meltdowns or tantrums. By providing structure and visual cues, you can help your child to stay on track throughout the day. Your own schedule might be a bit different, but looking at a sample schedule can provide some insight into how you might want to structure your child's day.
Establishing structure and routine isn't always easy, particularly if you have adult ADHD. It may take some time and practice to figure out what will work for you. Not only can this help your child, but it will also help you feel less stressed and minimize conflicts within the family. Frequently Asked Questions
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