The ADHD Parenting Podcast ADHD, Screens, and Structure: Coaching a Parent of an 11-Year-Old to Set Limits and Build Real-World Skills
May 28, 2025
Join a coaching session with a concerned father seeking guidance on managing his 11-year-old, Scott, and his obsession with screens. They discuss how to shift from punitive screen time restrictions to a privilege-based system that encourages healthier interactions. Effective strategies such as using visual timers for transitions and integrating social activities like scouts to boost engagement are highlighted. The conversation also digs into creating a structured family environment to support Scott's development while maintaining clear expectations.
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Early Limits Prevent Worsening Inflexibility
- Catching problematic screen habits early is easier than fixing them later as inflexibility grows with age.
- Early limits prevent a trajectory where lack of flexibility becomes entrenched.
Scouts Sleepover: Choosing Switch Over Play
- At a scouting sleepover Scott chose to play a Nintendo Switch alone instead of joining outdoor games with peers.
- He justified it by saying, 'this is a gaming outing,' highlighting how screens shape his social choices.
Make Screen Time A Privilege Not Entitlement
- Do make screen time a privilege earned by meeting daily expectations for chores and cooperative behavior.
- Set concrete weekday and weekend limits (e.g., 1 hour school nights, 2 hours weekends) and announce a start date.