Practical Approaches for Raising Children With ADHD

October 23, 2026 - 04:59

Raising a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can feel overwhelming, but experts say structure and consistency make a meaningful difference. Parenting specialist Bethany Braun-Silva shared a set of practical strategies during a recent morning broadcast, aimed at families navigating the daily challenges that come with ADHD.

Her first recommendation centers on routine. Children with ADHD often struggle with transitions, so keeping wake-up times, meals, homework and bedtime on a predictable schedule helps reduce friction. Visual schedules posted in common areas can reinforce expectations without repeated reminders.

Braun-Silva also stressed the importance of breaking tasks into smaller steps. A single instruction like "clean your room" can feel impossible, while "put the books on the shelf" is manageable. Praise for each completed step builds momentum and confidence.

She encouraged parents to limit distractions during homework, keep instructions short and direct, and allow movement breaks rather than demanding stillness. Clear, calm consequences for misbehavior work better than shouting, which tends to escalate tension.

Finally, Braun-Silva reminded caregivers to look after themselves. Parenting a child with ADHD takes patience, and support groups, respite and open communication with teachers can lighten the load. Small, consistent changes, she said, often produce the biggest results over time.