Welcome to Mind Matters, with Sue Wolff of Lupine Mental health, where we answer your questions about mental health and well-being. This column is one of many free resources sponsored by The Mental Wellness Collaborative.
This Month’s Question:
Dear Mind Matters,
Our 10-year-old son was diagnosed with ADHD, Inattentive Type. We're not quite ready to pursue medication at this time, but we want to make sure we're doing everything we can to support him in other ways. What are some strategies or approaches we can implement at home that can help meet his needs?
Sincerely, A Caring Parent
Answer from Sue Wolff, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner:
Dear “Caring Parent,”
Thank you so much for reaching out and for your commitment to supporting your son. ADHD, Inattentive Type, often shows up as trouble with focus, organization, and following through on tasks, rather than hyperactivity. There are several effective strategies you can try at home to help your son thrive:
Structure & Routine: Keep daily schedules consistent with clear expectations for homework, chores, and bedtime. Visual schedules or checklists help children see what needs to be done and track progress.
Small Steps: Break big tasks into smaller, manageable ones. Instead of saying “Clean your room,” try, “First, pick up your clothes. Next, put your books on the shelf.”
Positive Reinforcement: Notice and praise your son when he completes tasks or makes an effort to stay organized. Rewards don’t have to be big- extra playtime or a special activity can be very motivating.
Minimize Distractions: Create a quiet, organized workspace with limited background noise and clutter.
Timers & Breaks: Short focus periods, with breaks in between, can help your child stay on task.
Organization Skills: Model how to use folders, planners, or apps to track assignments and responsibilities, and practice these skills together.
Supporting a child with ADHD is a journey. Your care and involvement make a big difference. Progress takes time, and it’s normal to have ups and downs. If these strategies aren’t enough, consider reaching out to a mental health professional or school counselor for additional support.
Sincerely, Sue Wolff, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Next Month’s Question:
“Are there any supplements that can help with ADHD symptoms?”
We’ll explore what the research says and what to consider if you’re thinking about supplements.
Have a question you’d like answered in a future issue?
Send it to hello@mentalwellnessjh.org with the subject line “Mind Matters.”