--- title: 3 ways to give directions to help kids with ADHD description: 'How can you help kids with ADHD follow directions? Here are three strategies that help kids with ADHD listen to, remember, and follow through on directions. Learn how to use these ADHD tips. ' slug: 3-ways-to-give-directions-to-help-kids-with-adhd author: Margie DeSantis reviewer: Andrew Kahn, PsyD published: '2022-08-17T13:21:11.650Z' thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/6646yacWIY6se7ijcThiFL/d7e7e2a8ae63b5085ac5d4735e1074d3/G530206926.png source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/3-ways-to-give-directions-to-help-kids-with-adhd lang: en --- # 3 ways to give directions to help kids with ADHD Kids with ADHD can have a tough time following directions. Trouble with focus can make it hard to listen. Or directions may be too long or too complicated for kids to remember every step.  There are strategies that can help. Here are some tips to make it easier for kids with ADHD to follow directions and complete a task. ## 1. Be precise. Since kids with ADHD have trouble with [executive function](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/types-of-executive-function-skills), they may be unsure of how to get started on a task. Precise language helps kids know exactly what they’re supposed to do. And it can give them the confidence to get started.  One good way to practice this is by *telling* kids to do something, instead of *asking*. Kids may think they have a choice when you phrase directions as a question. For example, don’t ask “Can you please clean up your desk?” Instead, give a precise direction: “Please clean up your desk now. You can start by putting all of your pens and pencils in the cup.”  ## 2. Limit directions to one or two at a time. Since ADHD affects [working memory](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/working-memory-what-it-is-and-how-it-works), kids may have trouble holding on to and remembering multiple steps. You can make this easier by giving one or two directions at a time, and by numbering the steps. You can also break large tasks into smaller steps.  Let’s say kids are working on an art project. They’ll need to set up the project, work on it, and clean it up. That means there are multiple stages to this task. And each stage has multiple steps. It’s important not to overwhelm kids with directions for all the stages at once. Instead, start with only the directions for setting up the project, and give one or two directions at a time.  ## 3. Use visual aids. Kids with ADHD can benefit from having a visual reminder of what they’re supposed to be doing. Tools like [picture schedules and checklists](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/download-sample-picture-schedules-and-visual-planners) can help kids follow the steps without having to remember them all. It’s important to keep these written steps simple and direct, just like your verbal instructions. One example of a visual reminder is a [backpack checklist](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/download-backpack-checklist). Sometimes, it’s not enough to simply say “Keep your backpack organized.” And even with more specific verbal directions, kids may forget *how *to organize their backpacks. Having a checklist reminds kids exactly what it means to keep their backpacks in order. These are just a few tips to help kids with ADHD follow directions. Try them out to see what works. And remember to give kids positive feedback along the way. Praising even the small victories builds self-esteem and reminds kids that they’re on the right track. Get more tips on [how to help kids follow directions](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/10-tips-to-help-your-child-follow-directions). --- ## Explore related topics and articles - [8 ADHD teaching strategies](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-teaching-strategies) - - Students with ADHD dont get distracted or misbehave on purpose. - Teaching strategies that help students with ADHD can benefit all students. - Wait time and respectful redirection are two examples. Students with ADHD can have a hard time focusing in class. They might also have trouble remem - [5 steps to kick-start school-year routines for kids with ADHD](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/kick-start-school-routines-adhd-kids) - Returning to school-year schedules and routines after a long summer break can be hard. Thats especially true for kids with ADHD, who struggle with executive function skills like flexible thinking, organization, and working memory. The key is to switch to back-to-school mode early dont wait until jus - [11 ADHD holiday tips](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/11-tips-to-help-kids-with-adhd-manage-the-holidays) - The holidays are hectic. And if your child has ADHD, it can create extra challenges. Here are some tips to make the season easier to manage. 1. Pick and choose holiday events. You dont have to accept every invitation you get. If your child gets antsy or overexcited, just go to the most important eve --- ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/3-ways-to-give-directions-to-help-kids-with-adhd#webpage","url":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/3-ways-to-give-directions-to-help-kids-with-adhd","description":"How can you help kids with ADHD follow directions? Here are three strategies that help kids with ADHD listen to, remember, and follow through on directions. Learn how to use these ADHD tips. 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