Here are some tips and ideas that may help develop your child's natural abilities and help your child achieve his or her potential at school and at home.

Suggestions for Managing Your Child’s ADHD

Ten Organizational Tips for Your Child

1. Create a schedule. Try to follow the same routine every day.
2. Hang a copy of the schedule to provide visual reinforcement. Post the schedule in a prominent place so your child can see where he or she is expected to be during the day and when it's time for homework, play, and chores.
3. Try to keep tasks simple. Try not to have too many things on the schedule for your child to remember. This way he or she has a better chance of completing each task–this can provide a sense of accomplishment.
4. Help your child get organized. Work with your child to create a "home" for his or her backpack, toys, and clothing so these items will be less likely to get lost.
5. Always try to use brief and clear directions. For example, when reminding your child to pick up his or her clothes, consider saying, “You need to pick up your clothes and put them away” instead of “It would be nice if you picked up your clothes.”
6. Limit distractions. It helps to have the TV, radio, and computer games off when your child is performing tasks, especially homework.
7. Offer choices so your child feels involved in making decisions. However, it's best to offer no more than 2 alternatives so that he or she isn't overwhelmed or over stimulated.
8. Goals and rewards can be effective. You can use a chart to list goals and track positive behaviors, and then reward your child's efforts. Goals should be realistic (think baby steps, not overnight success) and rewards need not be expensive (eg, an extra half hour of TV time, choosing the movie on family movie night).
9. Decisive, positive discipline usually works best. Using timeouts or removal of privileges can help, but try to tie the consequences to the inappropriate behavior (eg, if your child doesn't wear a helmet while bike-riding, take away bike-riding privileges for the rest of the day).
10. Help your child discover his or her natural talents. You know your child has unique skills. When others see those skills as you do, it can lead to greater success for your child. Plus, when your child is doing something he or she loves and is good at, it builds confidence and self-esteem.

Ten Strategies to Provide Consistency in Your Child's Daily Life

Here are some strategies that may make things smoother for you and your child, especially while your child is transitioning from summertime activities to the school environment.

1. When you make rules, make them simple and specific, and post them in writing so your child can easily see them.
2. Rewards that are clear and meaningful to your child usually work best–and they don't have to be lavish.
3. Give feedback often, to let your child know how he or she is doing.
4. Help your child make smoother transitions by anticipating and planning for what's coming up.
5. Maintain a sense of humor and be patient. With a little humor, you may be able to avoid conflicts.
6. Look for every opportunity to offer praise and positive reinforcement. But be careful not to gush over small accomplishments, as your child will likely see through you.
7. Keep in mind that you are dealing with a medical disorder and not a character defect.
8. When it comes to discipline, don't talk too much and don't be wishy-washy–respond with clear statements tied to action.
9. Expect that children will have good days and bad days.
10. Remember, blaming your child, yourself, or your spouse won't help. You're all in it together and you're all trying your best.