OCD Hacks for Parents

Seek professional help first
Maintain a structured routine to help reduce stress; stress can trigger OCD
Keep kiddos hydrated and engage them in regular physical activity
Teach your child to practice grace with themselves and others
Provide them a safe space in the home that they can control – If space is at a premium, get creative, a tent on the bed or a closet will do
Teach them to take time out to breathe deeply – 5 seconds in – 5 seconds hold – 5 seconds out
Give your child time – be available to listen – consistently praise and reassure them
Remember trigger avoidance is not a cure, it is a temporary fix, don’t stop there
Be the Leader – don’t let OCD lead (participating in rituals with your child) – instead study OCD and lead your child to help
Forceful parents find fault – Powerful parents see possibility – Choose Power

Plan to meet with your child’s teacher or caregiver prior to enrollment to open the door to collaboration
Ask for a 504 plan immediately to insure appropriate accommodations for your child
Encourage your child to ask for help and share triggers with educators
Suggest your child ask a teacher to have lunch in their classroom to avoid a crowd
Advocate for seating in the front of the classroom (sometimes trigger avoidance is as easy as “Out of sight, out of mind”)
Create a Go To plan for managing triggers and stressors at school
Make sure you get your child to school one time and encourage them to follow the school schedule
Identify a specific support person at school who your child can notify when OCD symptoms manifest
Document difficult days to assist with identifying all triggers
Plan 10 minutes in every school day for a recap of school events and listen carefully