1. ADHD Symptoms in Children Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the ADHD Quiz
3. Parenting a Child with ADHD Slideshow

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MD

Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MD

Dr. Roxanne Dryden-Edwards is an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist. She is a former Chair of the Committee on Developmental Disabilities for the American Psychiatric Association, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, and Medical Director of the National Center for Children and Families in Bethesda, Maryland.

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In this Article

• What is ADHD?
• What are the symptoms of ADHD?
• What should I do if I am concerned that my child might have ADHD?
• What are some behavioral treatments and parenting strategies for parents of children with ADHD?
• Think positively
• Define schedules and routines
• Set clear rules and expectations
• Give clear instructions
• Discipline, rewards, and consequences
• Use time-out effectively
• Ignore, within reason
• Develop organizational aids
• Eliminate distractions
• Set small, attainable goals
• Focus on one or two challenging behaviors at a time
• Find areas in which the child excels
• Promote a healthy lifestyle
• Show your unconditional love
• Take care of yourself
• ADHD resources
• Find a local Psychiatrist in your town
• Tips for Parenting a Child with ADHD Index

Children with ADHD have poor executive functioning skills, which means, among other difficulties, that they have trouble organizing their belongings and tasks. Some parents (in cooperation with teachers) have found it helpful to provide color-coded binders and notebooks for each school subject, as well as a homework sheet in the front of the binder that lists homework for each school day. Others may find that purchasing a second set of textbooks for the home is useful for the child who frequently forgets to bring the proper materials home. Help your child develop an organizational system for his/her room and belongings and stick to it.

Remaining in regular email contact with the child's teacher can also be an important way to maintain consistent communication about homework assignments and tests. Many parents find that seeking additional support from their child's school in the form of informal services like seating and instruction breaks can be very valuable in helping their child be academically successful. Many children also benefit from more intensive educational supports in the form of an Individualized Educational Program.

Of course, your home should be well-organized too. Modeling effective organization skills in front of your child can help him/her realize the importance and benefits of good organizational skills.

While this sounds obvious, many home environments are simply chaotic and full of distractions for the child with ADHD. Be sure that your child has plenty of quiet time and space to complete homework and other tasks. A homework space that is free of external distractions like television, video games, or rooms in the home where most people congregate is key to successful completion of assignments.