Most children generate a little chaos and disorganization. Yours might flit from one thing to the next — forgetting assignments, leaving items on the floor, and failing to finish chores once started. Keeping focused is necessary to get things done.

Here are suggestions that may help homeschooling parents with their ADHD child’s behavior:

• Create a routine. For tasks that happen every day, try to follow the same schedule every day, from wake-up time to bedtime.
• Get organized. Encourage your child to put schoolwork, clothing, and toys in the same place every day so that they are less likely to lose them.
• Manage distractions. Turn off the TV and social media, limit noise, and provide a clean workspace when your child is doing homework. Some children with ADHD learn well if they are moving or listening to background music. Watch your child and see what works.
• Limit choices. To help your child not feel overwhelmed or overstimulated, offer choices with only a few options. For example, have them choose between this outfit or that one, this meal or that one, or this toy or that one.
• Be clear and specific when you talk with your child. Let your child know you are listening by describing what you heard them say. Use clear, brief directions when they need to do something.
• Help your child plan. Break down complicated tasks into simpler, shorter steps. For long tasks, starting early and taking breaks may help limit stress.
• Use goals and praise or other rewards. Use a chart to list goals and track positive behaviors. Then, let your child know they have done well by telling them or rewarding their efforts in other ways. Be sure the goals are realistic—small steps are important.
• Discipline effectively. Instead of scolding, yelling, or spanking, use effective directions, time-outs, or removing privileges as consequences for inappropriate behavior.
• Create positive opportunities. Children with ADHD may find certain situations stressful. Finding out and encouraging what your child does well—school, sports, art, music, or play—can help create positive experiences.
• Provide a healthy lifestyle. Nutritious food, lots of physical activity, and sufficient sleep are important; they can help keep ADHD symptoms from worsening.

Communication the 1-2-3 Steps

For children, all tasks can be broken down into a 1-2-3 process. Share this process with them.

1. Getting organized means a child gets where they need to be and gathers the supplies needed to complete the task.
2. Staying focused means sticking with the task and learning to say “no” to distractions.
3. Getting it done means finishing up, checking your work, and putting on the finishing touches, like remembering to put a homework paper in the right folder and your inbox so it’s ready for the next day.

Once your child knows these steps and how to apply them, they can start tackling tasks more independently. That means homework, chores, and other tasks will get done with increasing consistency and efficiency. Of course, children will still need parental help and guidance, but you probably won’t have to remind them as much.

Not only is it practical to teach these skills, but knowing how to get stuff done will help your child feel more competent and effective. They will feel self-confident and proud when they can accomplish their tasks and responsibilities. They’re also sure to be pleased when they find extra free time to do what they want.