ADHD Tip - Snow Days, Sick Days, Unexpected Absences, & Extra Time With Your Child With ADHD

As the Northeast region of the United States braces for yet another snow storm, parents across the region are faced with the challenge of a possible unplanned day off. While their children are anxiously awaiting the words, "school is cancelled tomorrow," parents are scrambling to find alternative arrangements. While a day off can sometimes be a welcome event, it can often feel like a nightmare for a parent whose child struggles with ADHD.

While children are already thinking about sleeping in, goofing off, playing outside, and just about anything other than school, their parents are wondering what they will do to avoid a meltdown at home.

Children with ADHD will do best with a structured routine that they are familiar with and will know what to expect. However, these situations can be difficult and trying for everyone.

As a parent, you likely have to pull things together as quickly as possible, sometimes under even the most difficult of situations. To avoid unnecessary arguing and struggling with your child, be sure to take the following steps:

Step 1: Have a plan.

Step 2: Have a backup plan.

Step 3: Be prepared for unexpected days off.

Step 4: Schedule the day as best you can.

Step 5: Make it easy for anyone who might be watching your child.

Step 6: Have a schedule or routine written out.

Step 7: Don't do anything you know your child will not tolerate.

The best advice for handling unexpected time off is to be as prepared as possible. A day off for your child might quickly become anything but that for you if you do not have a plan, schedule, or expected routine. While some children might be able to handle the extra free time, a child with ADHD could struggle without his or her normal routine.

While you cannot always plan and prepare under the best circumstances, having a routine or expectations can ease the struggle and cut-down on unnecessary problems with your child managing his or her symptoms of ADHD.

And now I would like to invite you to download an almost 60-minute audio interview where one successful professional reveals his personal struggle and success managing his symptoms of ADHD over the last 15 years.