Navigating the New Year with ADHD
Discover strategies to help your child embrace the New Year with confidence and understanding, tailored specifically for children with ADHD.
Empowering Parents and Children
Start the Year Right
Here are some ways to encourage your child with ADHD to set realistic and inpirational goals for 2026 without pressure.
Understanding Diverse New Year Experiences
Every child experiences the New Year differently. Some children may feel excited about new beginnings, while others might find the change overwhelming. Recognizing and respecting these feelings can help reduce resistance and encourage open dialogue. By acknowledging that both starting fresh and resuming last year’s routines are valid, you can create a supportive environment to help your child reflect on the upcoming year.
New Year Conversation Starters
What are some playful ways to approach New Year reflections?
Consider activities like creating a ‘Keep/Try/Let Go’ list or writing a future postcard. These playful methods can make reflection enjoyable and less intimidating for your child.
How can I support my child's emotional needs during the New Year transition?
Maintain open communication and provide a safe space for your child to express their feelings. Offer choices and flexibility in how they approach the New Year, ensuring they feel supported and understood.
What questions can I ask to understand my child's feelings about the New Year?
Ask open-ended questions like, ‘What does the New Year feel like to you?’ or ‘Do goals feel exciting or stressful?’ These questions can help you gauge your child’s emotions and tailor your support accordingly.
Exploring New Beginnings
New beginnings can happen at any time, not just in January. For children, especially those with ADHD, recognizing these moments can be empowering. Encourage them to see their birthday, the start of a new school year, or even the first signs of spring as opportunities for a fresh start. By identifying their own personal milestones, children can feel more in control and motivated to embrace change on their terms.
Prompts to help your child think about 2026
One-Word Themes
Choose a single word that captures the essence of what you want to focus on, like ‘Joy’ or ‘Explore’.
Energy Mapping
Reflect on past experiences by identifying activities that energized or drained you.
Keep / Try / Let Go Lists
Create simple lists to decide what to continue, experiment with, or release.
Future Postcards
Write a playful note from your future self, imagining your achievements and adventures.
Visual Reflection
Use drawings or symbols to express thoughts and feelings without words.
Reflection BINGO
Fill a BINGO card with prompts like ‘Draw a goal’ or ‘List things you love’.
Punch Cards
Track small, repeatable actions that lead to positive habits over time.
Experiment Framing
Approach growth as a fun experiment by asking ‘What if I tried…?’ instead of setting goals.
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