Mastering ADHD: A Parent’s Guide to Turning Chaos into Controlled Chaos

Your ADHD kid is a flipping genius! They are talented, beautiful, creative and wonderful creatures – BUT – they do not do things like neuro-typical kids and the faster you (parent, presumably) learn that, the better!

Your child absolutely CAN eat the world for breakfast – and with the right support and techniques they WILL change the world somehow – so don’t let them think they are broken, they are not disabled and they aren’t not a mess…they are “different and different is as different does”…I think…I’ll have to watch Forest Gump again…but he’s a pretty fab example to be fair…🧚🏻‍♀️

Here are some tips to help your neurospicy babies become fcking fabulous like the Neurodiversity Fairy….me! 😂🧠🧚🏻‍♀️

PS: I’m gonna put a tracker sheet for evidencing signs of ADHD together to help with diagnosis – make sure you’re on my email list for access to this! Email me via hello@theneurodiversityfairy.com for more!

1. Establish Consistent Routines:
   Help your child with ADHD thrive by establishing and maintaining consistent daily routines. Predictability can provide a sense of security, making it easier for them to navigate daily tasks.
2. Break Tasks into Manageable Steps:
   Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This helps your child focus and achieve success, boosting their confidence in handling more complex activities over time.
3. Use Visual Aids:
   Utilise visual aids such as charts, schedules, and checklists to provide clear visual cues. Visual aids can enhance understanding, reduce anxiety, and reinforce expectations for behaviour. Use pictures of tasks to help – particularly good for young children.
4. Provide Clear Instructions:
   When giving instructions, be clear, concise, and specific. Use simple language and, if necessary, repeat instructions. Confirm understanding by having your child repeat back the instructions. Do not do LONG tasks…break down. I.e “Get ready for school” is broken into “breakfast” then “bag packed” then “clothes on” then “teeth brushed”…check in for every task and reward progress liberally!
5. Encourage Positive Behaviour:
   Reinforce positive behaviours through praise and positive reinforcement. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small, to motivate and encourage your child to continue making positive choices. I STILL have a star ⭐️ chart on my wall for my habits because it works so well! I’ve been using them since I was in single digits.
6. Implement a Reward System:
   Establish a reward system to incentivise good behaviour. Define specific goals and corresponding rewards, promoting a sense of accomplishment and motivation for your child to stay on track. One week of stars? ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Treat time!
7. Set Realistic Expectations:
   Understand your child’s abilities and set realistic expectations. Recognise that they may need more time or support for certain tasks, and be patient as they work towards meeting expectations.
8. Provide a Quiet and Organised Study Space:
   Create a quiet and organised study space to minimise distractions. A structured environment can help your child stay focused and complete tasks with greater efficiency. Body doubling works great here! Just be around – not involved, just there.
9. Promote Regular Physical Activity:
   Encourage regular physical activity as it can help channel excess energy and improve focus. Activities like sports, swimming, or even short walks can contribute to better overall behaviour. Exercise is free dopamine!
10. Effective Communication:
    Foster open communication with your child. Encourage them to express their feelings and thoughts, and actively listen without judgment. Understanding their perspective can help in finding effective solutions together. A little ‘anonymous’ box 📦 to share feelings and thoughts can be really helpful for kids to share things in the moment.
11. Collaborate with Teachers:
    Maintain open lines of communication with your child’s teachers. Share strategies that work at home, and be receptive to their insights and recommendations to create a consistent approach between home and school.
12. Explore ADHD-Friendly Therapies:
    Investigate therapeutic interventions such as behavioural therapy or social skills training. These approaches can provide additional tools and coping mechanisms for your child to manage their behaviour. Check out my free resources, newsletter, videos and courses! All information on this website – check the menu up there 👆🏻

Remember, each child with ADHD is unique, so it may take time to discover the strategies that work best for your child. Consistency, patience, and a supportive environment are key components in helping them navigate challenges effectively.