Learning and concentrating can already be tough for children with ADHD. Being out of their normal environment can just make that worse.
For parents trying to navigate homeschooling during the pandemic, Dr. Greg Mattingly, founding partner of St. Charles Psychiatric Associates in Missouri, says the best way to help your child adjust is to have a structured day.
"A school day is structured on purpose. It’s structured on purpose because that’s the way children do the best. It’s the way children with ADHD have the best response," Mattingly said.
Begin the day with your child's favorite subject and then gradually work through other subjects, putting the most difficult one around 10:30 a.m.
Mattingly says that's when concentration tends to peak for kids with ADHD.
He also says being calm and positive have never been more important for parents.
“If a parent’s running around with their hair on fire, their child’s going to have their hair on fire. If a parent loses it and raises their voice, their kids are going to lose it and raise their voice," Mattingly said.
Parents should also remember to include time for physical exercise.
“It’s good for the body; it’s even better for the brain," Mattingly said.
It's also a good idea to watch out for any changes in your child's behavior.
Typical behaviors of ADHD include being easily distracted, forgetfulness, being a little impulsive and being fidgety or restless.
Mattingly says worrisome behaviors that could develop during this time include anxiety, insomnia and depression.
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