ADHD Support that Works: Practical Tips for Parents

Our 7 favorite tips for parents of kids with ADHD

1. Self-Regulation & Impulse Control 

Strategy: The Pause Button 

Why? Helps kids slow down before reacting. 

How to Use It: Model pausing by saying, “Let’s press our pause button” before making a choice. Use a physical gesture (e.g., touching forehead) to reinforce the habit. Praise any attempt to pause, even for a second!

Try This: Next time your child interrupts or reacts impulsively, say, “Oops, looks like our pause button isn’t working! Let’s reset and try again.”

2. Task Initiation & Follow-Through 

Strategy: The Game Timer Approach 

Why? Turns work into a fun challenge. 

How to Use It: Set a 2-minute challenge: “Let’s see if we can finish two problems before the timer rings!” Use first-then language: “First two problems, then we celebrate with a high five!” Gradually increase work time as focus improves. 

Try This: Pick a chore (e.g., putting toys away) and say, “Let’s see if we can beat the timer!”

3. Sustained Attention & Work Completion 

Strategy: Body Doubling

Why? Kids focus better when they have company. 

How to Use It: Sit nearby and do a quiet task (reading, emails) while your child works. Say, “Let’s work together for 5 minutes and take a break after.” Offer silent encouragement (thumbs up, a quick smile). 

Try This: Next time your child resists homework, sit down with them and say, “I’ll work on my to-do list while you do yours!”

4. Emotional Regulation & Frustration Tolerance 

Strategy: The “Big Little” Game

Why? Helps kids put challenges into perspective. 

How to Use It:

Ask: “Is this a big problem, a little problem, or something in between?” Validate feelings before problem-solving: “I get why this feels big.” 

Model self-talk: “Oops, I spilled my drink. That’s a little proble. I’ll grab a towel.”

Try This: When your child gets upset, pause and ask, “How big is this problem? What can we do about it?”

5. Flexible Thinking & Transitions 

Strategy: The “What’s Another Way?” Game

Why? Builds adaptability when things don’t go as planned. 

How to Use It: If plans change, say, “Let’s think of three other ways this could go.” Brainstorm alternatives before frustration kicks in. Reinforce that having options = power over situations. 

Try This: If a favorite snack is unavailable, help your child list three other choices before reacting.

6. Social Skills in Group Settings 

Strategy: The Talking Ball Game 

Why? Helps with turn-taking in conversations. 

How to Use It: Pass a small object (ball, pencil) when it’s someone’s turn to talk. Encourage one complete thought before passing the object. Teach them “ask before tell” before sharing a story, ask the other person a question first. 

Try This: Practice at family meals! Pass the object when speaking, reinforcing patience and listening.

7. Executive Functioning (Planning, Organization, Time Management) 

Strategy: The Time Detective Method 

Why? Helps kids develop time awareness. 

How to Use It: 

Ask: How long do you think this will take? Then time it.

Compare their guess to the actual time to improve time estimation. 

Avoid saying, “Hurry up!” Instead, use timers and countdowns. 

Try This: Time your morning routine and compare estimates to actual time to boost awareness.

Parent Takeaway: 

Progress Over Perfection! 

ADHD brains thrive on encouragement, not pressure.

Small wins add up over time so celebrate effort, not just results.

Flexibility is key! 

Not every strategy will work every time so adjust as needed.  

Would you like to see these strategies in action? 

Let’s try one together in our next session!