Back-2-School can be a challenging time for both parents and students. But for families living with ADHD it can be particularly difficult. One of the often overlooked facts about this is that it doesn’t go away after elementary, middle school, or even high school. Families dealing with ADHD often struggle with Back-2-School challenges throughout their school careers, including in college. What follows are 7 things that will help you survive the Back-2-School season and even get ahead! (These are written for parents, but can be adapted for the student or even the teacher very easily)
1. Plan the first day of school. Start talking about it early. People living with ADHD function much better if they know what is coming and there are no surprises.
2. Keep conversations positive. Given the creative imaginations of people with ADHD, they are often able to imagine incredibly bad first days of school. Keep things lighthearted and focus on the fun they will have.
3. Encourage them and their ability to make friends. People with ADHD can sometimes have trouble in social situations and making / keeping friends. They often overlook important social cues, making them seem overwhelming or insensitive to those who don’t understand them.
4. Have all supplies ready before the first day of school. Let the student feel comfortable with the new materials and familiar with the organizational system they will be using next year.
5. If possible, meet with the teacher before the start of the school year. This again eases the stress from points 1 and 3.
6. Remind them that they are smart! Students with ADHD can get so much criticism from well-meaning teachers and stressed-out teachers that they start to doubt themselves. Don’t let this happen. Encourage your sensitive student to stand out and embrace your cerebral style!
7. Have fun! Keep your conversations and preparations for the first day of school upbeat and proactive. Talk about it often. Plan your outfit, breakfast and lunch, even what you will do at recess. The less they are unaware of, the more confident they will feel entering their new grade with new teachers and new friends.
With these tips, embrace the new school year. Sometimes we anticipate that the stress we KNOW is about to come and we end up creating it! As parents, there are so many things we must do and tolerate, and staying calm and positive even when our kids are getting nervous is on that list. But I promise you, it will make a difference.