Kickstarting School Right: Tips for Parents of Kids with ADHD
Transitions can be challenging for any child, but for children with ADHD, they can be especially difficult to navigate. The shift from the relaxed pace of summer to the structured demands of school can feel overwhelming. Suddenly, they have to wake up early, stay focused in class, complete homework, and juggle extracurricular activities. Transitions, whether big or small, are one area where ADHD-related executive function deficits can significantly affect a child. Children with ADHD often face difficulties with cognitive flexibility, making it harder for them to adjust quickly to even minor changes. In this blog, we’ll offer practical tips and strategies for parents to support their children with ADHD during the back-to-school transition.
A Little About ADHD
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is categorized into three types: Inattentive, Hyperactive, and Combined. According to Seymour (2024) and the Charlie Health Editorial Team, here are some distinctions of each type of ADHD:
- Inattentive Type: Individuals with this type are easily distracted and find it difficult to pay attention. They struggle to stay on task, follow through on instructions, and pay attention to details.
- Hyperactive Type: This type is characterized by hyperactivity, a constant need to move, and impulsive behavior. Individuals are often very active, fidgety, and have difficulty sitting still.
- Combined Presentation: This type includes a combination of symptoms from both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types.
Understanding which type of ADHD your child has can help you better accommodate their needs and advocate for them effectively.
Helping Your Child Adjust to the School Year
Establishing Routine
Creating consistent routines can help address common challenges faced by children with ADHD, such as managing time, maintaining focus, and handling transitions. Establishing a routine can also alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and minimize rushing. If your child has been staying up late and sleeping in, gradually shifting to a school schedule can make the transition smoother. Consider using a printed or whiteboard schedule to keep things organized and on track. Here’s an example:
- Morning Routine
- Wake-up time: 7:00 AM
- Brush teeth
- Get dressed
- Eat breakfast
- Pack the backpack (books, homework, lunch)
- Leave for school by 8:00 AM
- Afternoon/Evening Routine
- Eat a snack
- Determine the most important homework or study task for the evening
- Engage in physical activity or go outside
- Have dinner with family
- Complete homework
- Pack the backpack for the next day
- Set out clothing for the next day
- Reading/no screen time
- Bedtime: 9:30 PM
Tip: Use visuals or color-coding to make the routine more engaging and easier to follow.
Tips to Support your child
The challenges posed by ADHD in educational settings are substantial and multifaceted. According to Flewelling (2022), “ADHD can have a significant impact on a student’s ability to learn in the classroom and at home because it can interfere with a child’s concentration, focus, and impulse control, which leads to difficulty in understanding and retaining information.” Here are some tips to support your child with homework and with homework and daily tasks.
- Integrate Homework into Your Child’s Routine: Establish a homework schedule that seamlessly fits into your child’s daily routine.
- Prioritize Tasks: Focus on the “number one priority” task each night to ensure essential assignments are completed first.
- Daily Habit Checklist: Use a checklist to help your child develop and maintain a consistent homework routine.
- Resource: For examples and printables, visit Seth Perler’s website: Seth Perler’s Printable PDFs.
- Enhance Focus and Time Management: Utilize tools like timers and structured techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique. This method involves working for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break, with a longer 15–30 minute break after four cycles.
- Incorporate and Model Self-Regulating Activities: Introduce meditation or breathing exercises to help your child manage stress. Practicing these activities together can make them more effective and integrated into their daily routine.
- Resource: Insight Timer
Leveraging School Resources and Engaging with Teachers
Advocating for your child with ADHD can start even before the school year begins. Consider reaching out to teachers or the school counselor to discuss potential accommodations that could benefit your child. It’s also helpful to ask about classroom rules, such as whether fidgets are allowed and, if so, which types are acceptable. This proactive approach ensures that your child has the support they need from day one
Additional Support
If your child is struggling with their symptoms of ADHD, consider getting them an executive functioning coach or therapist. These professionals can provide personalized strategies to help your child manage time, stay organized, improve focus, and enhance their emotional regulation both at home and in school.
References
Flewelling, J. (2022, July 5). How does ADHD in children impact academic performance? Beyond Booksmart. Retrieved from https://www.beyondbooksmart.com
Perler, S. Seth Perler: Executive Function Coach. Retrieved from https://sethperler.com/
Seymour , T. (2024). Types of ADHD: Inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and more. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317815
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