Fixed routines & time tables work like magic for children with ADHD

Studies have proved that a strict routine or following a time table can do wonders to children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Parents agree to the same. Routines have many positive impacts on the child and their development. It helps other family members too.

When you have a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it is important to follow a few things in order to ensure that they are independent. One of the most important things is to stick on to a routine and time table. Over the years, researchers have worked on many studies that confirms how a schedule can do wonders to a child with ADHD. Parents agree to this as well.

It is definitely not easy to ensure that your child follows their regular routine without fail. Even though it might all go well on the first week, things start changing after that for most of them. According to studies, a routine will have positive impacts on your child. Firstly, the child’s behaviour will change for good. Secondly, even the family benefits in many ways by following this routine and helping the child.

Rinku Poojara, who has a 14-year-old son with epilepsy and ADHD says that a routine has helped her soon do very well.

Setting time-tables and routines are extremely important and it is the best thing that can happen to a child with ADHD. When I used to live in the United States, I have noticed how many parents and children had no control over their life and this has a negative impact on children the most. When a child with ADHD knows their routine, they are able to predict what is going to happen next. So a time table works like magic – Rinku Poojara

Most children with ADHD are always brimming with energy. Sometimes this can exactly be the same reason for them to become angry or upset. When the child knows what to expect next, things become calmer and easier. Parents are often busy with their own work, and hence finds it difficult to keep a track on what their child is doing. Hence, it is best to work with the child’s teachers to plan a time table for them to follow every day. It is easy to achieve a routine with commitment and consistency.

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Keeping the child’s age in mind while preparing the routine is very important. Also, every child with ADHD has their own needs and requirements. So even that must be a factor while fixing routines. From their study time to bed time, games and other activities, a tracking of everything is important.

“A child with ADHD has a lot of anxiety issues. So following a routine is an added advantage to them. My son follows a ‘teach method’ where he has his time for studies, games or snacks. So this helps him to become more focused. For some kids with ADHD, a sudden change in their routine is also difficult. Parents must keep this in mind”, says Preetha Anoop Menon, who has a ten year old son with ADHD.

Also Read: Make classrooms friendly for children with ADHD

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