When repeating instructions is not helping

A familiar moment

You have asked several times for shoes to go on, homework to begin or a toy to be put away. The words become louder, the explanations become longer and both of you end up frustrated. That is a useful situation to bring to a consultation. It is not, on its own, an explanation of why the difficulty happens.

Describe the request, not just the response

One recent example is often more informative than a label such as "never listens". Where were you standing? What was your child doing? Was the request one clear action or a sequence of several tasks? What happened immediately afterwards? You do not need a detailed log of every interaction.

What the STG materials explore

The Close Request parent resource focuses on getting attention before a brief instruction, making the intended action clear and reviewing follow-through. Its workbook gives the parent space to prepare the approach and notice what happened. Your clinician considers which elements fit, including whether proximity, touch or eye contact would be uncomfortable for your child.

Discuss the support needed to begin

A child may need help identifying the first step, understanding what is being asked or moving away from the previous activity. The appropriate response is something to discuss, rather than infer from one unsuccessful request. A practical plan should also account for the parent's time, energy and the safety of the interaction.

A child handout is not the first requirement

You can begin parent-focused work without assigning your child another worksheet. After the parent has tried the agreed strategy, a matching age-band handout may support the child's involvement. The Parenting ADHD Program serves caregivers of children ages 3-14; resource availability does not expand that age range.

Bring this question

"What happens between my first request and my child's first action, and which part needs different support?" That question leaves room for a useful conversation without requiring you to arrive with a diagnosis or a complete solution.