1. Establishing Effective Daily Routines

Objective: Help children with ADHD develop structured daily routines to reduce anxiety, enhance focus, and improve time management skills.

Step 1: Identify Key Daily Activities

• List essential tasks such as waking up, getting dressed, doing homework, and bedtime.
• Prioritize activities that require structure and consistency.

Step 2: Create a Visual Schedule

• Use pictures, colors, or symbols to represent each activity.
• Place the schedule in a visible location (e.g., the child’s bedroom or kitchen).

Step 3: Utilize Timers and Alarms

• Set reminders for each task using alarms or countdown timers.
• Encourage the child to complete tasks within a set timeframe.

Step 4: Implement Positive Reinforcement

• Praise effort and task completion (e.g., “Great job finishing your homework on time!”).
• Provide small rewards (e.g., stickers, extra playtime) to encourage consistency.

Step 5: Monitor and Adjust

• Review the routine weekly and make modifications as needed.
• Adapt the schedule based on the child’s progress and changing needs.

2. Managing Emotional Outbursts: How to Calm an ADHD Child

Objective: Teach children how to identify, express, and regulate their emotions effectively.

Step 1: Recognize Emotional Triggers

• Observe and track patterns of emotional outbursts.
• Discuss emotions with the child using simple and open-ended questions (e.g., “What were you feeling before getting upset?”).

Step 2: Teach Emotional Awareness

• Use emotion charts or flashcards to help children label their feelings.
• Encourage verbal expressions such as “I feel frustrated because…” instead of reacting impulsively.

Step 3: Introduce Coping Strategies

• Teach calming techniques such as deep belly breathing and mindfulness exercises.
• Offer physical outlets like squeezing a stress ball or jumping on a trampoline to help manage emotions.

Step 4: Model Appropriate Responses

• Demonstrate calm and controlled reactions to frustration.
• Avoid reacting with anger or impatience, setting a positive example.

Step 5: Reinforce Positive Behavior

• Praise the child when they use coping skills successfully (e.g., “I saw you take deep breaths before speaking—that was great!”).
• Reward self-regulation efforts with encouraging words or small incentives.

3. Encouraging Homework Completion Without Stress

Objective: Reduce procrastination and frustration while making homework a structured and manageable task.

Step 1: Set Up an Organized and Distraction-Free Environment

• Choose a quiet, well-lit workspace for studying.
• Remove distractions such as TV, toys, and excessive noise.

Step 2: Break Assignments into Smaller Steps

• Create a checklist to divide assignments into smaller, manageable parts.
• Encourage breaks after completing sections (e.g., a 5-minute break after 20 minutes of focused work).

Step 3: Use Timed Study Sessions

• Implement the Pomodoro Technique (e.g., 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break).
• Adjust session length according to the child’s attention span.

Step 4: Provide Guidance Without Taking Over

• Offer help, but avoid doing the work for them.
• Praise small achievements to boost confidence and motivation.

Step 5: Create a Consistent Homework Routine

• Set a specific homework time each day to build consistency.
• Establish a “homework contract” outlining expectations and rewards.

4. Enhancing Social Skills and Building Friendships

Objective: Help children develop strong social skills for improved interactions and relationships.

Step 1: Practice Social Scenarios Through Role-Playing

• Act out common social situations, such as introducing oneself or joining a group activity.
• Guide the child through appropriate responses and reactions.

Step 2: Teach Active Listening and Empathy

• Encourage eye contact, nodding, and acknowledging others in conversations.
• Practice repeating back what others say to demonstrate understanding.

Step 3: Use Social Stories as Learning Tools

• Read or create short stories that illustrate positive social interactions.
• Discuss how different characters handle social challenges.

Step 4: Organize Structured Playdates

• Set clear guidelines and time limits to prevent overstimulation.
• Discuss appropriate behaviors and expectations before the playdate.

Step 5: Offer Constructive Feedback

• Recognize and praise successful social interactions.
• Gently guide the child on areas for improvement with specific suggestions.

These structured, step-by-step CBT-based strategies help parents create a supportive environment for their children with ADHD. By incorporating these techniques into daily routines, parents can foster emotional regulation, improve social interactions, and encourage independence in their children.