Time management, doing all his steps, going back and forth between school and home… Even though it seems like we are always behind them, they want it as much as anyone! With a few good strategies, you can help your ADD/ADHD child become more organized (a little without you!)
With my daughter, a simple brushing of teeth can be epic. She talks to herself while staring at her reflection in the mirror, makes a few faces… Getting through a daily routine can be a marathon, but it can be done a little better!
I am Jessica Rousseau, Special Education Technician and Family Coach for MamanÉducatrucs. I will give you some tips to make your family’s daily life easier.
Routine and organization: What tips and tools to use?
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Illustrate or write down as many steps as possible that will remind them at a glance what to do: in the morning, to go to school, at night, in the bath, etc. If possible, have them take an action that commits them to their routine. Have them check off the completed step, move a pictogram, press a small bell, etc.
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Make time measurable and visual by using an hourglass, a timer, a Time Timer.
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We structure a task by giving a time limit for completion. You have 15 minutes in the bathroom for your routine. After that, finished or not, it’s someone else’s turn.
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We motivate them with a challenge to mobilize them for a given time. They’re daydreaming as they look at the illustrations in their reading booklet, and it’s taking them a long time? Give them a challenge! In less than 10 minutes, we will have read the entire booklet, are you up for it?
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We get around their resistance by setting benchmarks. I know sweetheart that you don’t like to do math, but I’m going to ask you to work on it for 10 minutes and then we’re done.
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We help them organize their time by displaying the time they have left. Breakfast time in the morning is 20 minutes, then we clear the table.
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Reinforce their efforts with a point system. You completed your morning routine before your Time Timer went off (one point!). You read your book in record time (one point!).
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Clean up and keep tidy (their desk, backpack, bedroom, etc.) If the agenda becomes a collection of stickers and a rainbow of colors, it may become too many distractions.
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Label. If necessary, identify their toy shelves, clothes racks or desk organizer for easy storage.
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Plan the details using a calendar or planner. The child has something to refer to remember daily exceptions. For example, tonight I take the bus. Tomorrow I’m bringing my gym bag. Wednesday, I’m going straight home, etc.
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Prepare miniature reminders on post-its notes to stick strategically on a notebook or a door, something to hang on a belt or bag, a keychain with a window to insert a message, etc. Remind them of what they should not forget (things to bring home from school, a sheet of paper to sign or just that you love them very much!)
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Vary the tools as needed! Certain automatisms will be acquired, and the child will manage without all the supports in place. Great, we’ll take some off! Other times, we will adjust to keep the impact.
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My daughter had illustrations for her routines, but eventually stopped seeing them. When the morning routine is arduous, she makes a list of keywords in the mirror with me using a dry erase marker.
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Be consistent. Your child needs to plan what to do. Establish routines that come back to the same thing over and over. Without putting aside the fun and spontaneity, help your child see ahead and anticipate what they will do.
Will you still be behind them for a while? Yes, but your structure teaches them to become more independent. For now, and later. At home and elsewhere. So, keep going!
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