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— Ross, ADDitude reader
ADDITUDE ASKED: How do you teach time management to your child?
Is there a bigger challenge than helping an ADHD child be mindful of time? Probably not. But ADDitude parents are persistent and creative, as the following tips show.
> We use a portable white board and do some creative sketching of what he should do first, second, third, and so on. Our house rule is that you must work before you play. - Ross, Alberta
> I post reminders. I tape an index card, with written reminders, to the inside of my son's backpack. I write down the morning routine on printer paper and hang it up in his bedroom, so he can see it when he wakes up. I put another list next to the front door. It helps me, too. - An ADDitude Reader
> Simple. I usually let my daughter know that she has 15 minutes before she has to leave. - Ginger, Missouri
> I assign chores each day and pay my daughter only for the tasks completed that day. I deduct allowance for those that are not done. - Celeste, Kentucky
> We place lots of clocks around the house. When he plays on the computer, I make sure that a clock is always in his field of vision, so he knows when to stop. - Tina, Pennsylvania
> I use visual schedules, countdowns for ending a task, and give him rewards for finishing tasks early. - Karen, California
> I give him time updates before changing from one activity to another. This allows him to prepare for changes ahead. - Laura, Texas
> I use a timer to get him to be productive in the short term. It is helpful. - Kim, Pennsylvania
A Routine That Works for Your ADHD Child
Customize this hour-by-hour routine for your ADHD child — and make your day less stressful. Download now!
