You say:
“Please put your shoes on and grab your backpack.”
Your child hears:
“Shoes…”
Five minutes later, they’re wearing one shoe, pretending to be a dinosaur, and somehow holding a banana.
Sound familiar?
Kids with ADHD often have a harder time holding more than one direction in their working memory at a time. The good news? You can help strengthen that skill with a game that takes less than 30 seconds.
Superhero Memory Mission
Give your child two simple directions, like:
👉 “Touch your nose, then clap your hands.”
👉 “Get your water bottle, then sit on the couch.”
👉 “Pick up your shoes, then bring them to me.”
Before they move, have them repeat the directions back to you.
Once two directions are getting easier, level up to three. Think of it as adding another superhero challenge, not another chore.
Remember, you’re not testing your child. You’re training their brain.
Superhero Tip: The sillier the directions, the more fun it becomes. Try, “Hop like a bunny, then roar like a lion!” You’ll both end up laughing and they’re still practicing working memory.
Mom Question: What’s the funniest way your child has ever “followed” a two-step direction?
Not sure what’s behind your child’s biggest challenges? Take my FREE “Which Superpower Does Your Child Need Most Right Now?” quiz and discover your child’s strengths, biggest struggles, and practical strategies you can start using today.
About Loretta
I’m Loretta Holmes, an Educational Therapist and parent coach who helps kids with ADHD, strengthen executive function skills, build confidence, and learn practical ways to handle overwhelming emotions.
I also help parents understand what’s behind the behavior so they can spend less time wondering, “Why does this keep happening?” and more time finding tools that actually help. Around here, learning works a whole lot better when we make it fun.