Navigating ADHD: Three Essential Steps for Parents

Does your child face challenges in controlling impulses or handling time management? Do they find it hard to stick to tasks or solve everyday problems? If you answered 'yes' to these questions, your child might be dealing with ADHD.

Children with ADHD have often been mislabeled as 'problematic.' Many believe that only medication can bring about appropriate behavior. But is that really the case? Are there alternative methods?

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Rabbi Dan Tiomkin discloses strategies for raising children with ADHD.

How can we unlock the rare potential in children with ADHD?

There are numerous approaches designed to help parents nurture children with ADHD. Many of these strategies are explored in Rabbi Dan Tiomkin's workshop, "How to Educate Children with ADHD." In this article, we'll outline three effective methods for assisting children with attention challenges.

Step One: Break Down Tasks

When assigning chores, it's crucial to delve into details and deconstruct large tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. For example, instead of saying "Do your homework," guide them: "Complete the exercises from page 42 to 43." This way, every task at home becomes more approachable.

Step Two: Encourage Physical Activity

Children with ADHD often have excess energy that they need to release. Encourage them to burn this energy through physical activities, like playing ball, organizing a game of tag, or biking at the playground. This helps them stay calm at home.

Step Three: Be Brief and Direct

When a child begins to misbehave, avoid lengthy conversations. Given the overwhelming stimuli in their world, lengthy talks will not be effective. Instead, explain the seriousness of their actions clearly and concisely, helping them understand and avoid such behavior in the future.

For more professional insights on educating children with ADHD, join Rabbi Dan Tiomkin's workshop at the Jewish Campus.