Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) struggle with issues of impulsivity, lack of focus, fidgeting and daydreaming. These symptoms translate into difficulties in school, with friends and at home. ADHD, one of the most common childhood diagnoses, affects 3 to 7 percent of children ages 5 to 17, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Treatment for this neurobehavioral disorder includes medication along with an increasing emphasis on teaching children behavioral strategies and coping skills.
Teach Self-Calming Methods
Children with ADHD struggle to stay calm and focused. Teaching self-calming methods will help them interact appropriately in social, school and family situations. Methods include deep breathing, finding a quiet place or counting backward. Discuss these when your child is not agitated or frustrated. Role-play these activities, helping the child think to implement these self-calming techniques before the behavior escalates.
Provide Physical Outlets
Most ADHD children have high energy levels. Provide multiple opportunities for physical activities by signing him up for a youth fitness class. Take him for regular bike rides. Enroll him in an after-school sport. At home, encourage jumping jacks, push-ups and running up and down the stairs at regular intervals. According to HelpGuide, exercise leads to better sleep, which in turn can reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
Teach Organizational Skills
Many ADHD children struggle to stay organized. Teach them the methods and tools to help them stay on top of school assignments, chores and daily care issues. Depending on the child's age, calendars, timers, schedules and day planners will help them remember regular activities and project due dates. HelpGuide reminds parents, "Your job is to create and sustain structure in your home, so that your child knows what to expect and what they are expected to do."
Teach Social Skills
Often, children with ADHD find social interactions challenging. Their hyperactivity and impulsiveness make it difficult to learn and pay attention to social cues. They may alienate themselves through rough or thoughtless play. Explain basic social skills, including sharing and taking turns. Use role play to practice any social skills your child needs extra practice. If social missteps occur, talk with your child about how to improve their interactions next time.
Provide Structure and Consequences
Regular routines, schedules and rules help ADHD children to know what is expected of them. Create a schedule and post it throughout the house. Rather than reminding your child what to do, refer her to her schedule. With input from your child, establish behavioral rules, such as no hitting and using polite words. Be clear about the consequences for breaking the rules. Whenever a rule is broken, implement the consequence with a calm attitude. Afterward, ask your child how she needs to handle that situation differently in the future.
