The Super Simple Schedule for ADHD Kids
- Cristin Mullen
- Jun 8
- 3 min read
Welp... The kids are home.
As the little ones settle into their free summer days, have the stream of requests begun? How about the power struggles, as you try to get them to clean their own messes more?
Personally, I begin to worry that the whole summer will be soured with power struggles, no matter how hard I try to stay out of them.
These power struggles are inevitable when we don’t have the same expectations for how free time should be spent. There always seems to be an adjustment phase at this point in the summer break.
This strategy brings balance to the system while getting the kids to help out a bit.
Winning!
The little ones can be a handful as they adjust from the busy, structured school days.
Stretches of free time leave them a little aimless, which often turns into a rainstorm of rapid-fire requests. Finding yourself either cleaning up after them while managing the endless requests can get real old, real fast.
We want to support healthy behaviors; they want freedom, and through this strategy, we are able to meet somewhere in the middle.
Building Better ADHD Behaviors During Summer Break
How do we get our young ones to do something better when they only seem driven to the fun stuff? We use the when/then strategy. This essentially positions the fun stuff as earned after the less fun stuff has been accomplished.
Put simply, it is work before play.
However, with ADHD kiddos, we have to be a bit more strategic about it. We must make the strategy visual (to support memory) and we must tap into their interest-based nervous system by using strong incentives.
Use this strategy with your younger children to provide opportunities for success and a whole lot less daily frustrations.
The "when" part is the behaviors or tasks that you would like them to do. Consider healthy living habits such as going outside, eating a vegetable, doing something creative, or writing in a journal. Chores are a good option too, but try to keep them small and easily doable. Practicing an instrument or a sport are also good options.
The "then" part is the acceptable activities that they are interested in. You know, the things they are asking you for. You could try picking three acceptable options and allow them to choose one or all.
Set checkpoints throughout the day. This is the scheduling part of this strategy. At these points in the day, you can discuss with your child the "when" and "then" plans for the next portion of the day.
Pro Tips
Start with easy wins. Allow your kiddo a few days to adjust to the whole deal. Make it easy for a while, and then slowly introduce difficulty over time.
Be flexible and allow negotiation. Your kids know what they are willing to work for; allow them to tell you what feels like a fair task for privilege trade.
Don't let this replace verbal praise! Even though the "then" privilege is a reward, nothing beats positive feedback from parents.
Was this helpful?
Consider grabbing the free download that goes with this strategy. This is a free chapter of a future book, and the last summer it will be offered for free. This offer is only available through July 30, 2025.
Up Next...
