Keep directions short and clear
Instead of "Get your things together," try "Put your homework in your backpack and get your coat out of the closet."
Put positives before negatives
Rather than "Don't push," opt for "Please keep your hands and feet to yourself."
Make eye contact when you're giving directions
After you've finished, ask your child to repeat what you've asked of him.
Give immediate feedback — on both good and bad behaviors
Don't assume your child knows when she's done right or wrong.
Set up routines
A child with ADHD desperately needs structure. But you don't have to single him out in the family. Establish daily regimens that his siblings can follow as well.
This article comes from the June/July 2004 issue of ADDitude.
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