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One of the most challenging things about raising a child with ADHD is teaching organizational skills. You don't have to live in constant clutter and chaos, you can actually do a few things that can simplify the process of organization for your child. Here are four tips on helping an ADHD child get organized:
- Install coat hooks - One of the most common habits that children with ADHD have is leaving their coats on the floor when they take it off and promptly forgetting about them afterwards. It's a bit more complicated to teach your child to walk to the closet and leave their coat there. It's easier to install coat hooks or buy a stand with coat hooks on it. Establish a routine to help your child form the habit of hanging his/her coat. At first you may find yourself constantly reminding your child to use the hook every time you hear him/her walk through the door. Eventually, with consistent reminders, you'll be able to form the habit and be able to hang the coat without needing to remind your child about it.
- Buy wastebaskets - If you're living with a child who has ADHD, chances are there are always places in your house that seem to be constantly littered with paper, food wrappers and other wastes. Inspect the area closely and make sure that there are visible wastebaskets in the room. Whenever possible, buy wastebaskets that are big, colorful, and easy to spot. Don't hide the wastebaskets because, more often than not, children with ADHD will not remember it when they need it.
- Create ADHD-friendly closet spaces - If your child has a hard time placing dirty clothes in the hamper, try to create a separate space in the closet for dirty clothes instead. That way, as your child changes out of the dirty clothes, they can also be close to clean clothes. It's easier to teach your child to dress and get undressed in front of the closet than do it in separate areas of the room.
- Use colorful receptacles and minimize removable objects - There are many things that could clutter up your house. As much as possible, choose household items that will minimize this. For example, instead of toothpaste caps that can be twisted off, choose hinged caps that snap open and shut. Pick chests, boxes, and glasses that are easily noticeable and place them in strategic places where clutter usually accumulates.
Teaching your child that everything in the house has its proper place can take time, patience, and consistent effort. Don't give up, provide positive reassurance and praise for small victories, and be flexible and creative with your approach. The earlier you start training your child organizational skills, the easier it will be for him/her to adapt the habit and apply this in other aspects of his/her life.
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