How have you made your home environment more ADHD friendly?

Question

What kinds of changes have you made? What changes are you planning to make? What are your tips or plans?

~Dr.C

http://www.adhd1.net

Answer 1

I haven't made any changes. My son is 7 (just diagnosed this past August). I let him do a lot of running around outside before bringing him in for the night. If it is raining or not good for him to go outside (he has asthma) I let him come in and read (he loves to read). Other than that I just make sure I have something to hold his attention for a period of time.

Answer 2

this is what we did for my 7 year old nephew .

Make a schedule. Set specific times for waking up, eating, playing, doing homework, doing chores, watching TV or playing video games, and going to bed. Post the schedule where your child will always see it. Explain any changes to the routine in advance.

Make simple house rules. It's important to explain what will happen when the rules are obeyed and when they are broken. Write down the rules and the results of not following them.  Post where child sees it.

Make sure your directions are understood. Get your child's attention and look directly into his or her eyes. Then tell your child in a clear, calm voice specifically what you want. Keep directions simple and short. Ask your child to repeat the directions back to you.

Reward good behavior. Congratulate your child when he or she completes each step of a task. (we give a sticker)

Set a homework routine. Pick a regular place for doing homework, away from distractions such as other people, TV and video games. Break homework time into small parts and have breaks. (We do 1/2 hour home work 10 min break)

Focus on effort, not grades. Reward your child when he or she tries to finish school work, not just for good grades. You can give extra rewards (special activity) for earning better grades.

Talk with your child's teachers. Find out how your child is doing at school--in class, at playtime, at lunchtime. Ask for daily or weekly progress notes from the teacher.

Answer 3

I havent got an ADHD child.. but i do family daycare.. i have tot locks on all cupboards... you need a magnetic lock to open them... i've got all dangerous products locked away including knifes etc.... i think this is important especialyl for a child with adhd.. they tend to throw things and run around with things... also all the glass in my house is safety glass.. My brother has adhd and loves climbing on roofs etc.. make sure its hard for them to access the roof... move ladders.. lock upstairs windows that are easily accessible to the roof.