Creating Morning and Afternoon Routines for your ADHD child

We know that school for many children with ADHD brings a lot of challenges. Here are some tips on how to build a morning and afternoon routine to help your child keep on track and get them off to the best possible start!

1. Backwards planning

• Identify the time your child needs to be out the door (mornings) or the time your child needs to be in bed (evening)
• Create two lists; one for tasks before school and one for tasks after school
• Estimate the time for each task
• Plan backward from the time your child needs to be out the door or in bed

 

2. Safety Net

• Plan for bumps
• Add in extra time for breathing space

 

3. Prep ahead (for morning routines)

• Do as many tasks as possible the night or weekend before such as:
  • Take a shower
  • Choose clothes
  • Prepare breakfast food
  • Pack schoolbag
  • Pack sports and activity bags

 

4. Prep ahead (for afternoon routines)

• Prepare for afternoon tasks the day or weekend before such as:
  • Prepare snacks
  • Have a homework space set up with all materials

 

5. Time checks along the way

• Involve your child in developing routines
• Ask them how long they think things take and then have them time themselves