I have a notebook with me all the time to write down ideas before they disappear into my brain’s ether. My notebooks are like my brain’s external hard drive. I love a physical notebook because it provides a visual cue you can’t ignore. Most people with ADHD are visual learners. So having visual cues are important. I also like using my email app on my phone for notetaking too because I can edit it on the phone when I’m on the go or on my computer when I’m home. My favorite notebook is actually a clipboard with loose pages that I can arrange, re-arrange and discard. 

I love post-it notes. They’re so colorful and visually stimulating. I use them for reminders of urgent things that need to be done STAT. And I post them on the bathroom mirrors so I can see first thing in the morning or on the front door when I’m leaving the house.  

Post-It notes are also great for organizing or brainstorming ideas for projects. You can use different colors to color-code. 

I love making a to-do list because it gives a visual of what needs to be done and a sense of accomplishment when you check off items from the list. But laundry to-do list can still be overwhelming for the ADHD brain, who has to muster a lot of strength to get started on a project. 

List bite-size tasks that are easy to execute and do not take much brain muscle to figure out. 

• Write a paper on “___”
  • Outline 3 main points
  • Write introduction
  • Explain each main point and give examples.
  • Review and polish for a final draft

This works for chores as well

• Clean your room
  • Pick up dirty clothes from the floor and put them in the laundry
  • Change sheets
  • Put books back on shelves
  • Organize desk

This gives them a visual of what exactly they have to do, and they can cross off each simple task as it’s completed. It gives them a sense of satisfaction or a dopamine rush when crossing off items on the list. 

I used to verbally told my daughter the chores she needs to do, and as usual, nothing gets done. Then, I started making a list of chores on post-it notes for my daughter to do around the house when I’m at work. By the time I got home, she would finish most tasks on the list, and most things are checked off. 

Having background music (or noise) plugged up leaky holes in my brain, which helps block out distractions. Play soft instrumental music in the background while studying or doing homework. Or water sound from a water fountain or fish tank. Some people prefer TV noise.

You want sounds that faded into the background and do not fight for your limited attention. Most children respond well in a soothing environment, but other children may thrive in an environment with a lot of the hustle and bustle. 

Clear the workspace of clutter as visual clutter can obstruct focus just as much. Organize your child’s desk and get everything they need for their homework or project handy so that your child does not need to get up to get anything.

Put away all electronic gadgets in a different area or turn them off so your child won’t get distracted by the notifications.

Keep the workplace dark to block out visual distractions. It’s like spot-light in the theater. 

Not everyone feels comfortable and can focus sitting upright at a desk. Sitting at a boring desk for long hours can be torturing for some people, especially kids and adults with ADHD. They may focus better when lying on the bed, sitting with their legs crossed, sitting on the floor, or whatever strange position. The body orientation is another source of stimulation to the ADHD brain. So let them feel comfortable in their own skin. 

Do you focus best first thing in the morning? Are you most creative at night?

Try to match your tasks to your strength at the right time.

Do the most attention-demanding work during your peak time to achieve the best possible success.  

The brain, even the ADHD brain, is capable of growing and re-shaping. It’s called neuroplasticity.

Do something every day to challenge your brain, such as meditation, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, solitaires, etc. When you notice you get distracted, gently pull your attention back to the task at hand without telling yourself, “you’re so stupid.”

You have ADHD, not mental retardation. 

That’s it. 

I hope you find this information helpful. Let me know what you think and comment below. 

Remember, ADHD does not doom your child to a life of under-achievement. You know your child is bright, full of potential, and deserves the best. In fact, many of the world’s most significant discoveries and inventions were made by people with ADHD.

I helped my crazy wild child, who couldn’t read or write when she was little, overcome her learning difficulties and become a merit scholarship student majoring in premed at Loyola Chicago University.

So don’t give up; everything is possible. 

PS: Before you go, remember to download your Free copy of Natural Alternative ADHD Treatment Quick Start Guide. It’s our gift from one parent to another one.