Parenting a child with attention deficit disorder (ADD) can bring all sorts of challenges. It is more difficult for your child to focus and concentrate, so he may not do as well in school or he might forget to complete his chores around the house. However, if you use a few different techniques, you can make things easier for both you and your kid. Here are four helpful tips for helping a child with ADD:

Establish a Structured Routine

Children with ADD can especially benefit from having a routine. If you create a good routine for your child, he will be more likely to complete his duties and less likely to be distracted. For example, when he comes home from school, you could have him eat a healthy snack, do his homework, and watch one hour of television.

Remain Calm

Parenting a child with ADD can definitely be frustrating at times, but it's important to keep your cool. If you yell or panic when your child is not behaving, you will just making things worse. For instance, if your child is refusing to do his homework, you can say something like, "I understand that you do not enjoy doing this homework, but it is important for you to finish it so that you can receive a good grade."

Encourage Your Child to Exercise

While physical activity is beneficial for all children, it is especially helpful to those who have been diagnosed with ADD. Exercising regularly can help your child exhaust some of his excess energy, which can improve his focus and attention. Encourage your child to engage in physical activities he likes, such as playing sports with his friends or going on bike rides.

Give Your Child Praise

Children who have ADD tend to receive more criticism and punishment than others, which can lower their self-esteem. That is why it is important to praise your child's achievements as much as you can. For example, if your child made the honor roll, tell him how proud you are of him and offer him a small reward, such as a trip to the pizza parlor.

It's not easy to parent a child with ADD, so be sure to cut yourself some slack and take a break when you need to. If your child still is not able to focus or pay attention, you should talk to his doctor about the possibility of taking medication. Make an appointment with a clinic like Clinical Services for more info.