There are things parents can do over the summer to help their child’s ADHD. While it’s nice for kids to have a break, keeping a routine at this time is essential. School routines differ from those at home, but can equally engage your child’s attention and facilitate continuity.  Children need direction and responsibility for educational and emotional growth.  If they’re in the habit of being busy it can help them ease back into a schedule when school returns.

Make a list or develop a schedule of activities for your child. Post it on the fridge or in a special place where they will see it throughout the day. The items written on the list can be simple; brush your teeth, get dressed, comb your hair, or chores if you prefer. If your child isn’t of reading age, use pictures to indicate the activity.

When giving your child tasks, break them down. Tell them what you want them to do and then restate it one direction at a time. If you ask them to take out the trash, pick up their dirty clothes, and make the bed, they may take out the trash and then forget the rest. Restating one direction at a time enables them to complete tasks without needing reminders.

If you work and your child is in daycare or with a babysitter, leave a checklist for them. The list should have the activities you want them to complete that day, and be skill and age-appropriate. They learn to be responsible for their own actions by completing tasks and checking them off the list. If you’re using the visual picture cards, have them remove each card when the task is complete.

Maybe you’ve decided not to give medications or work on school tasks like math and reading this summer, but keeping the ADHD child focused while they’re out of school can be beneficial. When school starts they can be ready for the expectations put on them. If your child hasn’t spent any time using their listening, attention or memory skills, school will start out difficult. We all want our kids to have any advantage they can. Why not give them an extra edge by keeping them focused over the break?