When your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, you may wonder what you can do at home to reinforce the strategies your child may already be learning in therapy. One tactic to improve a child’s symptoms stemming from ADHD is to provide a great deal of structure at home. However, this isn’t always easy to do. Read on to learn why structure matters and how to provide it. 

Understanding Structure and ADHD

Why Is Structure Important? 

Since kids with ADHD can have a more difficult time controlling their impulses, creating a home with structure can help your child to practice good habits, helping them to gain control over their everyday lives.

Child-proofing your home, having a set schedule, and giving your child accolades when they adhere to the routines you set can help your little one stay focused and avoid impulsive behaviors that could take them off track.  

How Can You Create Structure at Home? 

One of the best ways to start creating structure is by developing very reliable routines at home. Create a schedule for mornings, evenings after school, nights, and even weekends. This will help your child learn what they should be doing and when. 

Keep your home organized, and consider adding supplemental controls like door locks to keep your child out of spaces where they tend to get into trouble or harm themselves, such as walk-in pantries, closets, garages, or basements.  Create clear and consistent rules with your child, and let them know what you expect. 

Schedule routine therapy sessions as frequently as your medical practitioner recommends to help your child to learn new coping mechanisms for tackling their symptoms. Talk with your child’s therapist about additional external controls you can implement to benefit your little one. 

If your child is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals at Fairbanks Psychiatric & Neurological Clinic APC in Fairbanks, AK. With a team of experienced family psychologists and psychiatrists, they can help your family with everything from behavioral problems to marriage trouble. In addition to accepting a wide range of insurance plans, Sally Caldwell, LPC-S, is now accepting Tricare. Schedule your next appointment by giving their office a call at (907) 452-1739, or learn more about their services online.