Helping Kids with ADHD Thrive at Home

Simple Focus Solutions for Families During ADHD Awareness Month

October is ADHD Awareness Month, a time to raise understanding and celebrate the incredible strengths and resilience of children and families navigating ADHD. At the Ackerman Center, we know that focus, attention, and structure can look different for every child, and that small changes at home can make a big difference in helping them thrive.

Here are some practical ways to support your child’s focus and confidence at home.

Establish a Daily Homework Routine

Consistency brings comfort. Many children with ADHD benefit from having a predictable homework schedule each day. Some may need a short break after school before diving into assignments, while others prefer to start right away.
 Try out different rhythms to find what works best for your child and remember: flexibility is part of the process. The goal is to reduce distractions and build healthy study habits over time.

Create a Distraction-Free “Set-Up”

The best learning environment might not be what you expect. Some children focus better in a quiet room, while others concentrate with gentle background noise or music.
 Work together to create a setting where your child feels calm and supported. A comfortable, organized workspace helps signal that it’s time to focus — without stress or pressure.

Get Them Started

Getting started can often be the hardest part. Sit down with your child and review what’s expected for each assignment. Breaking that initial barrier of uncertainty helps build confidence and sets a positive tone for the rest of their study session.

Supervise as Needed

Many children with ADHD do best with extra guidance at first. Try staying nearby to help your child stay on task, and as they grow more confident, gradually move toward checking in periodically instead of constant supervision. The goal is steady progress toward independence — at your child’s pace.

Allow Short Breaks Between Assignments

Focus takes effort, and brains need breaks. Encourage your child to stretch, grab a snack, or take a few minutes to move between tasks. These small resets can help your child return to their work feeling refreshed and ready.

Break Down Large Assignments

Big projects can feel overwhelming, but small steps make them manageable. Divide assignments into clear, bite-sized goals. Celebrate each milestone your child completes — these moments of success build motivation and reduce stress.

Every Step Forward Counts

Supporting a child with ADHD means celebrating progress — not perfection. By offering structure, encouragement, and patience, parents and caregivers can help children discover their strengths and feel confident in their ability to learn and grow.

At the Ackerman Center, we’re here to walk alongside families navigating ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Together, we can help every child reach their full potential.