Close Menu
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Thursday, August 7
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
Peninsula Kids
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
Peninsula Kids
Home»Education»ADHD Strategies to help reduce anxiety and facilitate learning
Education

ADHD Strategies to help reduce anxiety and facilitate learning

Updated:March 12, 20245 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

By Kim Norton

Kids with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are characterised as having difficulties with inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive behaviours such as time blindness, distractibility, forgetfulness, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Whether dealing with a predominantly inattentive (once called ADD), attentive, or combined diagnosis, these kids need suitable modifications and additional support at home and in the classroom to reduce anxiety and facilitate learning.

Typical attentive behaviours as a result of hyperactivity can challenge our kids with ADHD manifesting as restlessness, fidgeting and excessive talking as can inattentive behaviours such as poor focus, concentration, listening skills, disorganisation and perceived laziness or apathy. All of these challenges make it difficult for our kids with ADHD impacting their learning, social relationships, daily functioning, and general wellbeing. Without suitable modifications and additional support, these challenges can result in an anxiety disorder, low self-esteem and depression, oppositional behaviour, school refusal, after-school meltdowns, emotional dysregulation, risk-taking and family breakdown.

So, what can be done at home?

  1. Daily routines and visual aids:
    Create daily schedules that outline specific times for daily and weekly activities including homework, appointments, and chores. Make sure that there is allowance for downtime and blocks of time for when things may “change.” Consistency and predictability can help children with ADHD stay organised and help to alleviate anxiety.
  2. Break household tasks into smaller steps:
    Help your child break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
    This makes it easier for them to focus and complete tasks without feeling overwhelmed.
  3. Bedtime routine:
    Establish a successful bedtime routine that includes minimal use of electronic equipment after dinner and includes calming activities before sleep. Some calming activities to help promote quality sleep include meditation, drawing, journalling, and listening to music.
  4. Australian Bush Flower Essences:
    100% natural and without affecting other medications, Cognis Essence gives clarity and focus when working, speaking, reading, or studying. It enhances all learning abilities and skills and helps to alleviate daydreaming, confusion and overwhelm. This blend can be made up here or purchased from selected health food shops and chemists.
  5. Exercise:
    Regular physical exercise can improve focus and concentration and alleviate stress.
  6. Nurture their strengths:
    Strengths such as being highly creative and hyper-focused on things they love and enjoy can be used as motivators and also to promote good mental health.
  7. Brain Breaks:
    Providing our kids with brain breaks or sensory breaks at home to help our children calm down, focus, learn and self-regulate.
    What can be done in the classroom?
  8. Develop a code:
    Devise a sign for the student to use so that the teachers know they need help with their work or that they need a break. Some students use a laminated card to show the teacher whilst other more reserved students use a hand signal or code word. The simple act of reading a book or completing a calming task at the desk can also be used to alert the teacher.
  9. Seating:
    Have the student sit near the front of the classroom and near the teacher where they can see the blackboard/whiteboard clearly. Ensure that they can also see the entrance to the classroom and
    not be seated with their back to the door or to other students.
  10. Creating a structured routine:
    Establishing a predictable daily schedule can help children with ADHD stay organised and focused. Pre-warn the student of any change to routine where possible.
  11. Breaking tasks into smaller, bite-sized pieces:
    Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps can help children with ADHD stay focused and complete tasks more effectively. Use visual aids, checklists, and timers to help them keep track of time and to understand the expectations of the length of each task.
  12. Providing clear and concise instructions:
    Keep instructions simple and to the point. Use visuals or gestures to reinforce verbal instructions when possible. Make sure to capture the student’s attention before giving any instructions and have the student repeat instructions back in their own words so that their level of comprehension is understood.
  13. Allow and plan movement breaks:
    Allow children with ADHD short breaks to move around and release extra energy. Encouraging physical activity like whole class jumping jacks or having the student in question walk with another student to the toilet or another classroom.
  14. Providing tools to help them focus:
    Create a quiet area in the classroom where children with ADHD can retreat when they need a calm and focused environment to work. This can be a corner with minimal distractions or noise-cancelling headphones. Appropriate sensory tools, like stress balls or fidget toys at the desk, can help with better concentration during learning tasks.
    Every child with ADHD is unique and so the specific type and level of support needed can vary. It is important for teachers, parents, and professionals to regularly communicate and collaborate so that tailored assistance can be offered at home and in the classroom to reduce anxiety and facilitate learning.

Kim is a Holistic Counsellor specialising in stress and anxiety management for kids, teens, and adults. Kim provides a unique, intuitive, and individualised therapy approach through individual, small group, and family counselling sessions both online and at her studio in Langwarrin. For more information, visit website: www.rainbowlighttherapies.com.au

As published in Peninsula Kids – Autumn 2024

ADHD
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Comments are closed.

Calendar
Today
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
Visit Our Advertisers
ABOUT

Established in 2006, Mornington Peninsula News Group (MPNG) is a locally owned and operated, independent media company.

MPNG publishes two glossy magazines: Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids.

MPNG also publishes five weekly community newspapers: the Western Port News, Mornington News, Southern Peninsula News, Frankston Times and Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News.

ADVERTISE WITH US

Instagram
Monash University is conducting a study to better understand the challenges and support needs for parents and/or caregivers related to children’s sleep and feeding routines. Your input will help enhance resources and support for families.

To take part in the survey or learn more use the link: https://monash.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8A4012eElHQ1NQi
•
Follow
Monash University is conducting a study to better understand the challenges and support needs for parents and/or caregivers related to children’s sleep and feeding routines. Your input will help enhance resources and support for families. To take part in the survey or learn more use the link: https://monash.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8A4012eElHQ1NQi
13 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Join McClelland and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for a music workshop on Sat 6 Sept! With guidance from MSO musicians, participants aged 10-14 will develop music skills, experiment with composition, and co-create a brand-new piece to be performed in the MSO in Your Neighbourhood concert in Mornington. 

Learn more. at this link: https://mcclelland.org.au/events/creative-music-workshop

@mcclellandgallery McClelland Sculpture Park+Gallery 
#mso #yourneighbourhoodconcert #mcclelland #creativemusicworkshop
•
Follow
Join McClelland and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for a music workshop on Sat 6 Sept! With guidance from MSO musicians, participants aged 10-14 will develop music skills, experiment with composition, and co-create a brand-new piece to be performed in the MSO in Your Neighbourhood concert in Mornington. Learn more. at this link: https://mcclelland.org.au/events/creative-music-workshop @mcclellandgallery McClelland Sculpture Park+Gallery #mso #yourneighbourhoodconcert #mcclelland #creativemusicworkshop
23 hours ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Just announced: 
Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas Live in Concert

This festive season, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra brings to life the beloved classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas, starring Jim Carrey. 

Watch Cindy Lou Who on the big screen as she takes matters into her own hands and turns both Whoville and the Grinch’s world upside down, inside out and funny side up in her search for the true meaning of Christmas. 

Composed by the late, great composer James Horner, witness the MSO perform the magical score live to screen this December. 

Thursday 4 December at 7.30pm
Friday 5 December at 7.30pm
Saturday 6 December at 1pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Waitlist presale
Thursday 7 August at 10am

General public tickets on sale
Friday 8 August at 10am 

Sign up for presale access: https://bit.ly/41lB5MQ

#howthegrinchstolechristmas @melbournesymphonyorchestra
•
Follow
Just announced: Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas Live in Concert This festive season, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra brings to life the beloved classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas, starring Jim Carrey. Watch Cindy Lou Who on the big screen as she takes matters into her own hands and turns both Whoville and the Grinch’s world upside down, inside out and funny side up in her search for the true meaning of Christmas. Composed by the late, great composer James Horner, witness the MSO perform the magical score live to screen this December. Thursday 4 December at 7.30pm Friday 5 December at 7.30pm Saturday 6 December at 1pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Waitlist presale Thursday 7 August at 10am General public tickets on sale Friday 8 August at 10am Sign up for presale access: https://bit.ly/41lB5MQ #howthegrinchstolechristmas @melbournesymphonyorchestra
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Jams for Juniors comes to McClelland. Join Karen Kyriakou and MSO musicians for joyful music-making with little ones aged 0–5. Two fun-filled sessions on 6 Aug & 3 Sept. 
Tickets required for all. Book now.

https://mcclelland.org.au/events/mso-presents-jam-for-juniors-at-mcclelland

@mcclellandgallery McClelland Sculpture Park+Gallery 
#jamsforjuniors #mso
•
Follow
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Jams for Juniors comes to McClelland. Join Karen Kyriakou and MSO musicians for joyful music-making with little ones aged 0–5. Two fun-filled sessions on 6 Aug & 3 Sept. Tickets required for all. Book now. https://mcclelland.org.au/events/mso-presents-jam-for-juniors-at-mcclelland @mcclellandgallery McClelland Sculpture Park+Gallery #jamsforjuniors #mso
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
…asking for a friend. 
👍 up high
❤️ down low
•
Follow
…asking for a friend. 👍 up high ❤️ down low
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
No Food Shaming.

If you grew up in the ‘80s, ‘90s, or early 2000’s, chances are you were taught to see food through a moral lens: veggies were “good,” chocolate was “bad,” and fat was something to fear. That messaging stuck.

So now, when you reach for a bag of chips after a long day or say yes to dessert, a quiet voice in the back of your mind is likely to whisper: “You shouldn’t.” You feel like you’ve done something wrong – simply for eating something you enjoy. And here’s the thing: our kids are watching. They’re listening. The way we talk about food becomes the way they relate to it.

If you want to raise confident eaters, it’s time to let go of the “good” vs “bad” food narrative and allow your kids to enjoy food without guilt or shame. Let’s be real; some foods are more nutrient-dense than others. But that doesn’t mean that we need to rank them on a scale. Instead of calling food “good” or “bad”, try talking about how it fits into the bigger picture of what our bodies need. 

Read on for a few ways to reframe the conversation:
https://peninsulakids.com.au/no-food-shaming

@nourishwithkarina Nourish with Karina 

#nofoodshaming
•
Follow
No Food Shaming. If you grew up in the ‘80s, ‘90s, or early 2000’s, chances are you were taught to see food through a moral lens: veggies were “good,” chocolate was “bad,” and fat was something to fear. That messaging stuck. So now, when you reach for a bag of chips after a long day or say yes to dessert, a quiet voice in the back of your mind is likely to whisper: “You shouldn’t.” You feel like you’ve done something wrong – simply for eating something you enjoy. And here’s the thing: our kids are watching. They’re listening. The way we talk about food becomes the way they relate to it. If you want to raise confident eaters, it’s time to let go of the “good” vs “bad” food narrative and allow your kids to enjoy food without guilt or shame. Let’s be real; some foods are more nutrient-dense than others. But that doesn’t mean that we need to rank them on a scale. Instead of calling food “good” or “bad”, try talking about how it fits into the bigger picture of what our bodies need. Read on for a few ways to reframe the conversation: https://peninsulakids.com.au/no-food-shaming @nourishwithkarina Nourish with Karina #nofoodshaming
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
🤪#bloodyrightitis #strangerthings
•
Follow
🤪#bloodyrightitis #strangerthings
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Monday night funny. 
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣lol

#thepenthouse #foodhierarchy
•
Follow
Monday night funny. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣lol #thepenthouse #foodhierarchy
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
#spiritanimal
•
Follow
#spiritanimal
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
View on Instagram
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay In The Know

Sign up to our free newsletter and receive weekly updates on events and things to do with kids on the Mornington Peninsula.

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.