Supporting Someone with ADHD

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If you live with someone who has ADHD, you might find cupboard doors left open or things dropped in the middle of the room. What looks like a small thing to remember can take real effort when their attention has already moved to the next task. They may be trying harder than you can see or be completely unaware of their pattern. It's okay to feel frustrated, especially when the same thing happens again. Pick the things that genuinely affect you both and agree on a simple way to handle them together. An open cupboard can sometimes just be an open cupboard, pick your battles!

Supporting an adult with ADHD

Parenting a child with ADHD

When you have ADHD too, you may be trying to help your child settle while managing your own overwhelm. During a meltdown, give them time and keep your words simple. If they're safe and you feel close to snapping, take a brief pause and come back when you feel steadier.

Make room for active play your child enjoys. Running, playing footy, dancing or riding a bike gives them somewhere to put their energy. Notice which kinds of movement help them feel more settled afterwards.

If your child gets restless or acts out in class, ask what happened beforehand. Had they been sitting too long? Were they bored or underchallenged? Keeping them inside at recess or lunch can take away a chance to move before the next lesson. Ask the school about protecting that break and trying more movement or a different way into the lesson.

If you're parenting solo, it can be exhausting to do all of this without another adult to step in. We see how much it takes to help your child through a hard moment when you're having one yourself.

What can help

Learn about ADHD together. Understanding can replace blame with compassion.
Ask whether they'd like a reminder, help breaking down a task or someone to sit with them while they get started. Notice and celebrate effort, not only results.