Getting children to take out the trash, help set the dinner table or cleaning their room can be a real pain at times. This can be more of a challenge when you have a child with ADHD but this does not mean that you should give up. For a child with ADHD, chores can serve as a bigger purpose than just getting a task done, it can help your child build responsibility, self-esteem and develop skills they will need later in life.
Here are some of my tips for getting children with ADHD to do chores.
Use a Chore Chart– For a child with ADHD, keeping track of chores with a chart and stickers works great. Make a list of the chores and the steps of task that need to be done that day, When the chore is done your child gets a sticker and at the end of the week if your child did all his/her chores he/she can turn in the stickers by getting a reward.
Ask Your Child For Input- If one of your child’s chores is to fold their own laundry. You can ask when he/she is going to complete this. As a parent you might also give him/her the flexibility that it can be done anytime between Wednesday and Saturday, but that they can’t go out with friends on Saturday until it is done.
Do not let the task become boring – If you keep on giving your child the same chores for a long time, he/she will gradually lose interest and may not want to do it. Keep on changing the chore and find interesting and fun ways to do it.
Ease into chores for children –First, show your child how to do the specific chore step by step. Have your child help you do it and then have your child do the chore on his/her own as you supervise. Once your child has it mastered, she’s ready to go solo.