Supporting Your Child with ADHD

Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can bring mixed feelings. You might feel relieved to finally have answers, but still wonder: Should I tell my child? Will this label help or hurt? Will school always be a struggle? Will they need medication? Will they find good friendships?

The truth is, ADHD is common, and while it can come with challenges—like trouble focusing, impulsive behaviour, or difficulty sitting still—it also comes with great strengths. Kids with ADHD are often creative, curious, energetic, imaginative, and quick-witted. With the right support, children with ADHD can absolutely thrive.

TALKING TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT THEIR ADHD

Many parents worry that sharing the diagnosis will make their child feel "different" or give them an excuse for poor behaviour. But in most cases, knowledge is power.

When children understand that ADHD is part of how their brain works, they are often relieved to know there's a reason things feel harder sometimes. It also helps them learn strategies and ask for support. Sharing this information gives them language to talk about their challenges and strengths—and lets others understand them better too.

TIPS TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD AT HOME AND SCHOOL

ADHD looks a little different in everyone, but usually falls into three categories:

• Inattentive (trouble concentrating and staying on task) 
• Hyperactive/Impulsive (always on the go, blurting, interrupting) 
• Combined (a mix of both)
   

Below are simple, practical tips for parents and teachers.

ADHD - INATTENTIVE

Common challenges: Easily distracted, slow to complete tasks, forgetful, poor sense of time.

Helpful Strategies:

Clear communication
Keep instructions short and simple. Make eye contact and check they’ve understood (ask them to repeat it back).

Limit distractions
At home or in class, seat them away from windows, posters, or busy areas. Turn off TVs, put away toys, and use timers or gentle reminders.

Use routines and visuals
Use checklists, schedules, and timers to break tasks into smaller steps. Plan focused work for the morning when attention is usually better.

Allow extra time
Kids with ADHD may need more time to finish schoolwork or homework—try reducing the workload for timed tasks.

Minimise choices
Offer limited, simple options. Too many choices can overwhelm and delay decision-making.

Teach focus strategies
Help your child notice when they’re drifting and teach ways to re-focus—like stretching, taking deep breaths, or saying “back to task” quietly to themselves.

ADHD - HYPERACTIVE/IMPULSIVE

Common challenges: Interrupting, acting without thinking, talking too much, emotional outbursts, silly or unsafe behaviour.

Helpful Strategies:

Let them move
Fidget toys, wobble stools, and movement breaks help release energy. Build short active breaks into homework or classroom routines.

Teach self-regulation
Use programs like Zones of Regulation to help kids notice their body signals and emotions. Create ‘calm down spaces’ at home and school where they can go when overwhelmed.

Give regular breaks
Chunk tasks into short blocks (e.g. 20 minutes work, 5 minutes movement or quiet play).

Notice and praise the good stuff
Kids with ADHD often hear more correction than praise. Make a big deal when they stay calm, follow instructions, or try hard—even if it’s a small win. This builds confidence and teaches emotional awareness.

Talk about behaviour
After incidents, gently explore what happened: How did you feel? What did you do? How do you think others felt? This builds empathy and understanding.

REMEMBER
ADHD doesn’t limit your child’s future. With the right support, children with ADHD can shine—at home, at school, and in life.