Finding Focus Through Fun: A Fresh Approach to ADHD at Home

I’ve had to rethink my approach to focus and behaviour every day. I know it’s about exploring methods that genuinely fit a child’s world. Over time, I’ve learned that when you’re working with ADHD, sometimes you have to set aside conventional expectations and step into a realm of creativity and curiosity. I’d like to share a bit about our journey and how we’ve found focus through play and expression.

Shifting from “Stay Still” to “Let’s Play!”

One of the first changes I made was to stop seeing fidgeting as an obstacle and start seeing it as an opportunity. Instead of asking my son to “sit still and listen,” I’ve begun weaving focus activities into playful, imaginative tasks. I ask him to “march like an explorer to the table” or “draw a path through the jungle” when it’s time to wind down. This shift has turned small moments into adventures, where following directions feels more like discovering hidden treasures than following rigid rules.

This isn’t just a change in words; it’s a change in mindset. I support his natural need to move and engage by giving him action and purpose. His brain and body are on board when his hands and feet are involved. This has led to fewer moments of frustration and more moments of joy.

Building Calming Rituals with Creativity

Every child needs ways to self-soothe, but with ADHD, these can be a little harder to create. I’ve discovered that guiding my son through creative projects is a great way to help him find calm. It’s not just about giving him something to do—it’s about letting him express his feelings through art, sound, or storytelling.

For instance, we’ve made a “calm box” with coloured pencils, sheets of paper, and some soft modelling clay. When he feels overwhelmed, he knows he can take a “time out” with his box and create whatever he likes. This small ritual helps him reset, using his creativity as an outlet to release tension and regain focus. Sometimes, the things he makes open up beautiful conversations about his day or feelings, giving us moments of real connection.

Breaking Down Big Tasks into Little Adventures

Complex instructions and long lists can be overwhelming for kids with ADHD. So, I began turning each step of my daily routine into “missions.” If it’s time to clean up his room, instead of saying, “Put your toys away,” I’ll say, “Let’s be superheroes who save the toys from the messy mountain!” Or, if it’s time for bed, we create a “quiet path” to his room, dimming the lights along the way to make it feel like a journey to a calm place.

These imaginative prompts do more than make routines manageable—they empower him to take control of his world in a safe and doable way. When a task is a journey, there’s a sense of excitement and achievement, helping him stay engaged without feeling pressured.

Finding What Works for Your Child

If you’re parenting a child with ADHD, you know how each day can bring new challenges and triumphs. What works one day might not work the next, and that’s okay. I’ve learned the key is to stay flexible and keep discovering alongside them. What’s most important is to create a space where they feel accepted, supported, and free to be themselves.

Every child is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to helping them thrive. But there are countless ways to engage with their extraordinary, one-of-a-kind minds. I’ve found that a playful, open-hearted approach is helping us both find more joy and connection, and I hope it sparks ideas for you, too.

Let’s Connect

I’d love to connect if you’re curious about how to adapt this approach for your child or just need a little guidance along the way. Let’s work together to find creative, supportive strategies that bring out the best in your child’s journey with ADHD! Feel free to comment below or click here to book a 1:1 consultation.

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Recommended Products for Supporting ADHD

If you’re looking for tools to support your child’s journey, here are a few types of products that can offer great help:

Fidget Toys : These include fidget spinners, cubes, and stretchy bands, which help children stay focused by giving them an outlet for their energy. Look for sensory pop tubes, fidget spinners, or elastic bands, which provide calming sensory feedback. Weighted Blankets and Sensory Wraps : The gentle pressure of weighted blankets or wraps can be soothing, helping children relax and stay focused, especially during study or quiet time. Sensory Mats and Chewable Necklaces : Sensory mats offer a fun tactile experience, while chewable necklaces are safe alternatives for children who need oral sensory input. Liquid Motion Bubbler Toys : These calming, colourful bubble timers can help children self-regulate by giving them something visually engaging to focus on. Watching the bubbles move can be an excellent tool for calming and concentration. Activity Workbooks : Books such as “Thriving with ADHD” offer practical activities designed specifically for kids with ADHD, helping them build focus and self-regulation in a fun, engaging way.

You can find these types of products by searching for specific terms like “fidget toys for ADHD,” “weighted blankets for kids,” or “sensory bubble toys.” These tools can complement behavioural approaches and provide additional support to help your child thrive.