07/08/2026
๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฑ๐๐น๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐๐๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ฝ ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐๐๐ฒ
One of the most common frustrations I hear from parents is:
"My young adult knows the trash needs to go out, the laundry needs to be done, and the dishes need to be put away. Why do I still have to remind them?"
If your son or daughter has ADHD or attention issues, you're definitely not alone.
What I've learned over the years is that the problem is often not unwillingness. More often, it's difficulty getting started, staying focused, remembering what needs to be done, or feeling overwhelmed by where to begin.
So where should parents start?
Before you create a chore chart or start handing out consequences, I'd start with a conversation.
Try asking:
โข What makes chores difficult for you?
โข Which chores do you dislike the least?
โข What would make it easier to get started?
You may be surprised by the answers.
Next, keep it simple. Instead of assigning several chores, pick one responsibility and focus on consistency. Small successes build confidence.
A few strategies that tend to work well:
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Break larger chores into smaller steps
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Use short 10โ15 minute work sprints
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Work alongside them when appropriate
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Use reminders, checklists, or phone alerts
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Provide immediate positive reinforcement when tasks are completed
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Focus on progress rather than perfection
One mistake many of us make as parents is assuming these challenges are laziness. While accountability is still important, I've found that clear expectations, encouragement, and collaboration usually work better than repeated reminders and frustration.
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐๐๐ผ๐บ ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ
Most young adults with ADHD or attention issues want to be successful and contribute to their families. They often just need a little more structure, a little more clarity, and sometimes a little help getting started.
Start with one chore. Be specific. Recognize effort.
Over time, those small wins can turn into greater independence and lifelong habits.
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR).
Barkley, R. A. (2015). Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment (4th ed.).
Brown, T. E. (2013). A New Understanding of ADHD in Children and Adults: Executive Function Impairments.
CDC: ADHD Information
CHADD: Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
โ Robin Bartko, MS
Facebook -ADHD and More Support Group for Parents
Have a question, feel free to email [email protected]
