Are you worried about your child as they start the school year? If so, you’re not alone. Many parents of the clients I work with in therapy share this concern, especially when their child or teen has ADHD.
I recall one parent telling me about their child struggling to focus in class due to “classmates talking” and “other students moving around.”
Given their struggles with distractions, forgetfulness, time perception, and frustration tolerance, the beginning of the school year can be especially overwhelming for children with ADHD. Therefore, it's not uncommon for these kids to take longer to fully engage compared to their peers. They sometimes fall behind in their coursework early on in the school year.
Support from Both Parents and Teachers
As a child therapist, I’ve witnessed the positive effects of strong parental support, especially in kids and teens transitioning from elementary to middle school and middle school to high school.
It would be good for parents to collaborate with their child’s teachers, including their therapist, for consistent support.
Back to School Recommendations for Kids With ADHD
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Talk about the upcoming change. Describe the new environment (if they’re moving to a new school) and the people they might meet. You might want to arrange a visit to the new school before the transition.
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Establish a consistent daily routine at home. This will keep them organized. Kids with ADHD benefit from learning skills like following a specific time and place for homework and studying, including a regular wake-up time and bedtime. Here are our ADHD tips for organization handout and ADHD tips for homework completion handout.
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Stay in regular contact with your child’s teachers. This allows you to stay informed about how your child is adapting to the new school year. Advocate for appropriate accommodations, such as extended time on tests or preferential seating. Here’s a handout on ADHD classroom accommodations.
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Build your child’s social skills. I would recommend practicing social interactions at home through role-playing. Rehearse skills like active listening, smiling, and lending a helping hand.
I wish you and your child a smooth and successful start to the school year!
*This article was originally published in our email newsletter on August 27, 2024.
