ADHD in Children Health Center

Understanding ADHD -- Diagnosis and Treatment

9 Lifestyle Tips

These tips may help your child -- and you:

1. Join a support group. Organizations include Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
2. Boost your child's self-esteem. Because a child with ADHD may have difficulty processing directions and other information, he or she is apt to be bombarded with corrections, leaving him with a low opinion of himself. Do whatever you can to boost your child's self-esteem.
3. Praise and reward good behavior promptly.
4. Be consistent with discipline, and make sure other caregivers follow your methods.
5. Make instructions simple and specific ("Brush your teeth. Now, get dressed."), instead of general ("Get ready for school.").
6. Encourage your child's special strengths, particularly in sports and out-of-school activities.
7. Set and follow routines for meals, sleep, play, and other activities.
8. Make time for play and exercise. Don't let homework monopolize all of  your child's time after school.
9. Simplify your child's room to minimize distractions, such as toys.