by Cathryn Whitehead

Created on: April 28, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Many parents don't recognize their children have ADHD until they are in school. Changes in routine, the many distractions in a classroom, and different expectations of a school-aged child's behavior can highlight symptoms that weren't visible to primary caregivers. How parents deal with their children can determine how successful they'll be in life.

The symptoms of ADHD, inattention, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity keep school-aged children from understanding and following instructions. These children aren't ignoring and disobeying on purpose, and they aren't lazy or unintelligent. Changes in routine upset them and distractions prevent them from completing the simplest tasks. They need help to overcome their symptoms or adjust to them so they can develop skills to succeed in life.

It's helpful to realize that children with ADHD are predictable. They need to be physically active, they focus on the present and what's going on now, and they respond to creative and novel ideas.

If your child's school grades drop because of incomplete homework assignments, he or she is very disorganized, and tantrums over daily routines become the daily routine, you have to help your child learn to deal with their symptoms before their self-esteem suffers and the whole family is affected.

First of all, you should be a role model. If you aren't organized how can you teach your child to be? You need to set family rules, posting them somewhere that helps everyone remember, and set consequences that you will follow through. There should only be a few rules, as setting too many will only confuse your child, so focus on what is most important to your child's success.

Most children with ADHD learn visually. Set and post daily routines for your child, using colorful pictures that help them remember. Reminders and repetition help routines become habits. Use colorful reminders, pictures, computer learning games, and hands-on learning experiences to help your child learn and remember. Praise them for completing tasks even if they didn't live up to your standards.

Consequences for your child's misbehavior must take place right away. Children with ADHD learn by repetition, not by remembering the past. Let your child take one day at a time, starting each day fresh.

Use a notebook to list homework, upcoming tests, and library books or they need to take to school. Check off assignments as they're completed, and be sure your child has a special place to put items needed. Getting things ready the night before and putting them in a regular location so everyone knows where they are makes the next morning so much easier.

Take advantage of your child's need to move by teaching them to take notes in class. Let them fidget and make sure they have lots of time to play and release their energy.

Meeting the needs of a child with ADHD isn't difficult. It just takes a little time and patience, just as with any other child.

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