Does the thought of back to school fill you with excitement, dread or a misture of both?
The start of a new school year is just around the corner, and I know as a parent raising a child with ADHD, it can bring mixed emotions. For some, the return to routine can be really something to look forward. But for others, the anxiety of having to navigate the challenges of school can be very daunting.
So, with that in mind, let’s think about some areas where you can prepare
- Consider your daily Routines.
It is a factor that our children with ADHD often do better with a predictable routine. The reason for this is it supports a weak Executive Function (read this article for more information on Executive function) as routines develop habits which means less thinking is required by the ADHD brain.
If you child is moving to a new school, it’s worth practising how they will get to school a day or so before they start. When my son moved to high school, we did a practise run for him using the bus the week before. One parent shared with me that she shadowed her daughter the first week in the car. (You could also ride the bus together).
Work out with your child how much time they need to get ready in the morning and develop a visual reminder of tasks needed if this would support their memory. A simple horizontal line of visual reminders works well. (Grab my free resources on mornings here. ) Connecting achieving this within the set time frame to a reward will enhance their motivation to achieve the goal.
If your child has being going to bed later than normal, start to pull back bedtime for a few days before. So, for example if you need to pull it back by an hour, pull back by 15 minutes for 4 days before school starts. It will help them get up when they need to.
- Connection with Teachers
A strong connection with the classroom teacher or subject teachers will set up your child for success. How do you do that?
Give teachers a chance to observe and understand your child during the first two weeks before scheduling a check-in, unless there’s urgent information to share.
In primary school, developing a partnership approach where you approach challenges with solutions rather than just problems will develop a positive connection with the teacher.
In High school, working with the subject teachers where your child is struggling most will bring the most benefit. If you child is really struggling with Maths, have a conversation with the teacher if you child is not comfortable bringing up the topic themselves. You can suggest strategies such as extra time for tests or the use of a calculator all the time to build self-esteem by success.
Do a role play with your child do they can practise talking through their challenge. If you child does not have the skills yet to engage, send an email outlining the challenge and ask for a meeting with your child and subject teacher.
- Organize School Supplies
Getting school supplies organised in advance can be a way to raise excitement. There are many fantastic stationary options which can create some fun and a sensory friendly experience for your child. Look for fidget tools, textured notebooks and pencil cases or colourful highlighters that make organising fun. Pick a quite time if you want to shop with them and try not to leave until the last few days before school starts.
A wall term calendar can be very useful to support your child to visualise time. It can also be used to mark in important dates, assignment & test dates and the next school holiday! You may be able to engage your child by decorating with stickers or colour coding subjects. (This would not have worked for my son!)
- Plan the school week activities
Not is the time to think and talk about what after school activities you and your child want to take part in. Be mindful that our children often have less capacity to engage in after school activities after a day back at school. They are often at less capacity for the first few weeks back as they need to get used to the daily demands & expectations again.
Consider minimising activities for the first term if you know your child finds the first few weeks challenging. If you’d like to read more about how to balance exercise and ADHD, read this article.
- Taking care of yourself.
Supporting a child with ADHD can be emotionally and physically draining. There will be days when your child comes home cross, emotional and lacking any capacity to meet your expectations. Take a deep breath and remind yourself “It’s the ADHD and right now, he does not have the ability to ……..(fill in the blank: have the shower, empty the dishwasher, do homework)”.
By reframing the behaviour as being a lack of capacity in the moment, you can let the frustration go or at least give yourself space to breath!
How I Can Help You
Navigating the school year with an ADHD child doesn’t have to be overwhelming. My services are designed to empower parents with the tools and strategies you need to feel confident and capable. Whether it’s personalized coaching, workshops, or access to my online course, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Visit my resources page today and find the tools you need to start this school year with confidence.
As you prepare for the school year, remember you’re not alone. Let’s work together to make this year one of growth, understanding, and connection for your family.
Sign up for The Confident ADHD Parent Formula group coaching program. The next program starts 18 February, 2025. Click here for more information.
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