07/08/2026
𝗚𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗗𝗛𝗗 𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗔𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲
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:
• What makes chores difficult for you?
• Which chores do you dislike the least?
• 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:
✅ Break larger chores into smaller steps
✅ Use short 10–15 minute work sprints
✅ Work alongside them when appropriate
✅ Use reminders, checklists, or phone alerts
✅ Provide immediate positive reinforcement when tasks are completed
✅ 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.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲
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.
𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀
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
— Robin Bartko, MS
Facebook -ADHD and More Support Group for Parents
Have a question, feel free to email [email protected]
