ADHD Help for Parents: 11 Tips to Help Children

ADHS-Hilfe für Eltern: 11 Tipps, die Kindern helfen

Author: Dr. Achim Zinggrebe

“I can't do this anymore.” “This is destroying my family.” Or even, “I hate my child sometimes.”

Do statements like these occasionally pop into your head when family life is getting to you?

Then remember: You are not alone. Almost all mothers and fathers know the desperate feeling of being at the end of their rope.

But with the right strategy, a loving coexistence can be achieved without chaos. Here's our "first aid" guide for parents of ADHD children, including eleven practical tips.

First ADHD help for parents:

  • Create clear rules and routines that provide guidance.
  • Rewards are just as important as clear consequences.
  • Relax! Mistakes are normal. So is being overwhelmed. You need breaks, too.
  • Try out which diet, exercise, and hobbies are good for your little one.

Oh no, my child has ADHD. What should I do now?

First of all: Life goes on. While everyday life presents some challenges, the syndrome can be easily controlled with the right measures.

First, however, you should determine whether the diagnosis is correct. While there are a few quick tests available, such as this parent questionnaire , you should definitely see a doctor to be sure. Child and adolescent psychiatrists can be a good first point of contact.

Typical symptoms of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) include difficulty concentrating for extended periods (e.g., when studying), planning the day, and controlling emotions. ADHD also includes hyperactivity. The differences are explained in more detail here.

Is a parenting error to blame?

No. Neither is too much sugar, television, or video games. Your child is neither lazy nor (mentally) ill.

Rather, the fault lies in a neurological disorder , i.e. an imbalance in the brain.

The causes are diverse: genes and the brain play the largest role. Environmental factors such as diet also influence the severity.

Can you live with that?

Yes, very good indeed. Because there are also positive characteristics : In adulthood, symptoms like hyperactivity often subside, while creativity and a high level of energy remain.

However, this requires appropriate pedagogical intervention . Without help, many children suffer from relationship problems (in love and friendship), low self-esteem, and feelings of anxiety and even depression.

Fortunately, there is relatively good research into the needs of children with ADHD and how parents should behave.

11 tips for dealing with affected children

ADHD and ADD are incurable (they aren't illnesses either). So, the goal is to manage the effects as best as possible.

While actual circumstances are always individual, it's worth experimenting. However, these eleven parenting tips will help break the vicious cycle in most cases.

#1 Set clear rules

Affected children often have difficulty organizing themselves. Instructions like "Do your homework" are therefore too vague. Better to say something like, "Do exercises 1-3 in your German book and then come back to me."

Also important: Make a joint decision with your partner . Different opinions only cause confusion.

You should also include older children or teenagers when setting rules.

#2 Praise often, follow through

Children with behavioral problems particularly need a lot of signals about what they are doing right or wrong.

It's often easier to reprimand —and that's important, too. Don't throw around empty threats, though; instead, announce clear consequences and then follow through.

Rewards are more difficult, but all the more important: For small things, praise or a smile is enough. Tidy rooms also deserve a piece of chocolate.

For example : Your son takes out the trash as requested – a "thank you" ensures he'll be happy to do it again. He doesn't take care of it despite repeated requests? Tell him directly that he'll lose his PlayStation privileges for a day because of this.

#3 Attend behavioral therapy for the family

If tips #1 and #2 are difficult, you can seek expert support to replace negative behavior patterns with positive ones. It's best to discuss therapy with your pediatrician.

#4 Introduce rituals

Identical, recurring routines help children prepare for what's to come. This brings calm and thus more focus. Simple rituals include:

  • Get up and go to bed at the same time
  • Always clean the room on Monday
  • Take a break after 30 minutes of studying

In our free parenting guide you will find even more rituals (and how to introduce them).

#5 The right diet

Children with ADHD are more likely than average to experience deficiencies in certain nutrients. Magnesium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are particularly common. These are essential for optimally supporting the already imbalanced brain.

Therefore, pay even more attention to a balanced diet. You can meet increased nutrient needs with dietary supplements .

#6 Supplement medication

Medications can help relieve symptoms, but they often come with side effects.

That's why it's important to find the right approach. A long-term care physician will prescribe medications that are appropriate for your child's situation.

#7 Provide activities, especially outdoors

Exercise helps your child release excess energy. At the same time, sports or other hobbies—especially in clubs —boost self-confidence and social skills.

Important: Sports should be supervised , as children with ADHD are more likely to suffer injuries due to risky behavior.

#8 Improve the learning atmosphere

Homework or preparing for the next test, in particular, regularly cause stress in the family. It's no wonder: When concentration is difficult, studying isn't fun either.

That’s why you should free the learning atmosphere from distractions:

  • Ban PC, TV and smartphone from the room
  • Plan half-hour breaks with exercise to release energy
  • Always study at the same time to create a routine

At the same time, focus less on traditional cramming and more on interactive learning : ask questions instead of having students memorize sections of text, and reward every correct answer.

Free e-book for parents

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#9 Keep a record

If a doctor accompanies your family over a longer period of time, he or she will get a good impression of the individual manifestation of your child's symptoms.

But his advice is also largely based on your descriptions. You can provide a more complete picture with a diary .

Note, …

… which routines are followed every day,

… what foods and drinks (especially those with sugar) your child consumes,

… what medications and supplements you administer,

… how your offspring reacts to external influences and

… give grades on how the day went.

Teachers and educators also benefit from these notes.

#10 Give yourself a break

A healthy father or mother-child relationship always involves two sides.

For you, it's all about shaking off the stress .

After all, it takes a lot of patience and strength to stay calm, endure tantrums, and deal with stubborn reactions. When you're chronically exhausted or on the verge of burnout, it's difficult to make informed decisions.

Parental support is therefore also self-help. Plan relaxing evenings . Get help from a babysitter and spend a weekend with your partner. Know your limits.

Parents report that family life becomes easier once the stress is reduced.

#11 Seek support

You are not alone. Thousands of parents in Germany share your concerns, questions, and wishes. It's helpful to listen to other families' experiences or seek expert advice through parent coaching sessions.

Here you will find exactly that:



Dr. Achim Zinggrebe is the father of three sons and founder of Machinaro . His nutritional supplements and guides are designed to help people cope with everyday life despite ADHD.

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