Written by Hannah Jackson Matthews, M.S.Ed.
As a mother of two neurodivergent kids, ages 11 and 5, and someone who was diagnosed with ADHD at age eight, I know firsthand how important structure is for kids with ADHD—and how challenging it can be to implement it. Each time I share content on my platform about the systems I use to support my children, I get comments like:
“I wish I had done this when my kids were younger!”
“I feel like it’s too late for my teen.”
If you’ve ever felt this way, let me reassure you: it’s never too late to introduce structure into your child’s life, no matter their age.
The Power of Structure for Teens with ADHD
Parents of pre-teens and teens with ADHD often feel that if they didn’t start routines early on, they’ve missed their chance. But that’s far from the truth. While routines for teens will naturally look different than for younger kids, introducing structure at any age—especially during the teen years—can provide stability and a sense of control for your child.
As a former ninth-grade English teacher with a Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, I’ve worked with many teens who have ADHD, and I can confidently say that implementing structure helps them manage daily tasks like homework, time management, and following through on commitments. Even if you’re starting later, it’s absolutely possible to build routines that will work for your teen.
Why It’s Not Too Late
Parents of younger kids often see the benefits of structure early on, but for parents of older children, it can feel daunting to start routines now. Here’s the good news: teens, especially those with ADHD, thrive when they have a say in how things are done. They’re at an age where they can play an active role in creating routines that support their growing independence and unique needs. This is why it’s never too late to implement structure.
Teens want to feel respected and in control of their own lives. When you approach routines from a place of collaboration, asking them what they need to succeed and empowering them to make choices, they’re far more likely to engage.
Implementing Structure for Teens with ADHD: Practical Tips
Here are a few strategies I’ve used with both my own kids and the teens I’ve worked with over the years:
1. Involve Them in the Process: Teens with ADHD need to feel like they have ownership over their routines. Ask them how they’d like to structure their day, when they feel most productive, and what kind of support they need to stay on track.
2. Focus on Flexibility: Unlike younger kids who often benefit from strict routines, teens need flexibility. Create routines that allow them to make choices, like deciding when they’ll do homework or what activities they’ll use for breaks.
3. Introduce Visual Cues and Reminders: Tools like checklists, planners, or phone apps are great for teens. They provide visual reminders and help your teen track progress, giving them more control over their time.
4. Model the Behavior: Show them that even adults use routines to manage their time and responsibilities. Let them see how you organize your day and how sticking to a routine helps you stay on track.
Playing to Your Teen’s Strengths
As I’ve learned through both my experience as a teacher and as a mom, ADHD affects every teen differently. That’s why it’s crucial to build routines that highlight your teen’s unique strengths while supporting areas where they need more help. Your teen may struggle with organization but thrive when tasks are broken down into smaller steps. Or they may need help with time management but focus better when they can use visual reminders.
Introducing routines that play to their strengths will make them feel more empowered and capable, showing them that structure isn’t about control—it’s about supporting their growth.
Download My Free Resource: Structure for Teens with ADHD
To help you get started, I’ve created a free resource specifically designed for parents of pre-teens and teens with ADHD. This guide will walk you through the process of implementing structure with your teen in a way that respects their need for independence while giving them the support they need to thrive.
Inside, you’ll find:
• Tips on creating flexible routines that work for your teen
• Strategies for using visual aids and reminders to improve time management
• A reflection activity for teens to help them identify which strategies work best based on their strengths and areas of growth
Click here to download my free guide and reflection activity, and start building a structure that works for your teen today!
Final Thoughts
As someone who’s navigated ADHD myself and worked with countless teens over the years, I know it can feel daunting to introduce new routines, especially if you feel like you “missed” the window when your child was younger. But the truth is, teens are at a unique stage of growth where they’re discovering more about themselves. With the right tools and support, you can help them build routines that empower them to thrive. It’s never too late to start!
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