475- When Lack of Motivation Runs in the Family: Getting Kids with ADHD Organized & Focused for Learning
Oct 13, 2023
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Learn strategies to help children with ADHD become more organized and focused for learning, even when caregivers also have ADHD. Explore the challenges of motivating children with ADHD, supporting them through positive communication and open-ended conversations. Discover ways to build self-confidence and address the biggest pain points in ADHD households. Understand the use of rewards and positive affirmations, while establishing consistent routines and supporting college students with executive function challenges.
Establishing structured routines and schedules can help children with ADHD stay organized and motivated for focused learning at home.
Implementing strategies like setting up routines and schedules, promoting completion over quality, and addressing obstacles can bridge the gap between intention and action for children with ADHD.
Positive communication, recognition of effort, and providing support and encouragement are essential for fostering motivation in children with ADHD.
Deep dives
Building a Structured Environment for Kids with ADHD
Kids with ADHD and their caregivers face challenges in creating an organized and conducive home environment for focused learning. Structured routines and schedules can play a key role in helping children with ADHD stay organized and motivated. Routines can be established for different times of the day, such as setting a consistent time for starting homework. A weekly routine, like the Sunday session, allows for planning and previewing the week ahead. By creating predictable and clutter-free homework hotspots, parents can provide an environment that promotes focus and organization. Encouraging completion rather than focusing on quality can help children feel less overwhelmed by academic tasks.
Strategies for Overcoming Motivation Challenges
Motivation challenges are common among children with ADHD due to weak executive function skills. Children with ADHD often struggle to turn their intentions into actions, leading to difficulties with tasks like keeping track of assignments and finishing them. To bridge the gap between intention and action, implementing strategies like setting up routines and schedules, promoting completion over quality, and identifying and addressing obstacles can be beneficial. Encouraging communication with teachers for additional support and considering outside resources like tutors or executive function coaches can also help children overcome motivation obstacles.
Nurturing Positive Communication and Connection
Positive communication and connection are essential for fostering motivation in children with ADHD. Parents can engage in open-ended conversations, actively listen, and use phrases like 'tell me more' to show understanding and empathy. Recognizing effort and progress instead of focusing solely on outcomes can make a significant difference. Establishing nag-free time zones and maintaining a three-to-one ratio of positive to negative comments can further promote a positive environment. It is important to help children understand that ADHD is not a personal fault, but rather a difference in brain wiring, and to provide support and encouragement as they develop coping mechanisms.
Strategies for College Success
When it comes to college success for students with ADHD, establishing support systems is crucial. Students can benefit from utilizing resources like their college's Learning Center, which offers various types of assistance, including subject help and executive function skill development. Regular check-ins with parents or academic coaches can help students maintain organization and time management skills. Discussing schedules and identifying study locations outside of the dorm room can also improve focus and productivity. Encouraging open communication with professors and taking advantage of available academic support can further support college success.
Motivating Children with ADHD Through Rewards and Consistency
When motivating children with ADHD, it is important to strike a balance with rewards and consistency. While offering small rewards or privileges can be beneficial, it is crucial to focus on effort and progress rather than solely on outcomes. Implementing consistent routines and schedules, including homework hotspots and designated study times, can help create a structured environment. Additionally, open communication, understanding, and positive reinforcement can further motivate children and foster a supportive and consistent atmosphere.
Kids with ADHD are better able to focus on schoolwork when the home they live in is organized and conducive to learning. But that order is tricky to achieve when caregivers have ADHD too. Learn strategies that work from Ann Dolin, M.Ed.
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