But what does that mean exactly, and how does structure help?
The Value of Schedules and Structure
Structure means that the environment is organized and predictable.
Structure is important for all children, but it can be particularly important if you areparenting children with ADHD.
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Having a routine can benefit your child with ADHD and the rest of the family.
In a structured environment, your child knows what to expect.
Structure is a lot likescaffolding.
As a result, your child’s self-confidence grows.
This will help them to feel in control while still providing structure.
Be Specific
Be specific and break big tasks up into smaller ones.
you might use pictures, words, or even simple drawings to represent each activity.
Place the schedule in a visible location and review it with your child regularly.
This can be as simple as going for a short walk or playing a quick game of catch.
You may need to adjust your schedule from day to day based on your child’s needs.
Its important to be consistent and stick with the schedule even if your child resists at first.
By providing structure and visual cues, you might help your child to stay on track throughout the day.
It may take some time and practice to figure out what will work for you.
Timers can be helpful when your child needs to focus on a task for a set period of time.
Daily planners and visual calendars can also help your teen keep track of projects and see their progress.
Creating an organized space and eliminating clutter are also important for helping teens stay focused.
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