Back-To-School Tips for Students with ADHD

Parents with children suffering with ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, often worry about their children's transition from summer freedom to the structure of going back to school. Children with ADHD are often afraid to go back to school and need reassurance and support. The following back-to-school tips for parents to relieve the stress felt by themselves and their children.

1. Maintain a sense of structure and routine throughout the summer as much as possible. Children that suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time with changes to their routine. Keep as much of the normal school day routine as you can throughout the summer. For example, keep meals at the usual time, keep the same bedtime routine and schedule in a quiet time each day for reading.

2. Several weeks before school begins slowly adjust the summer bedtime and wake up hour to the earlier times of school.

3. Keep a structured routine for your child in the morning, making sure to set goals that are reasonable. Often parents find that breaking the morning routine into smaller pieces, known as chunking, is very effective. For example, allowing five minutes for brushing teeth and combing hair, ten minutes for dressing and ten minutes for eating breakfast is an example of manageable chunking.

4. Help your child organize their school supplies before school begins. Take your child with you to buy their supplies. Use the time to talk in a positive way about returning to school at the beginning of the school year.

5. Talk to your child about when school starts and their feelings about it. Often once a child expresses his fears about going back to school they are not so overwhelming.

6. Make a set place where your child does his homework. The area should be stocked with school supplies, quiet, neat and organized.

7. Set homework and study time rules such as no television, phone calls or video games.

8. Homework should be done at approximately the same time each day. If your child seems to be overwhelmed by homework use the chunking method that you use in the morning. Break the assignment down into smaller, more manageable pieces that your child can do successfully. Before you know it the entire assignment will be finished.

9. Keep your child organized with a set place for lunch boxes and back packs. ADHD children tend to become excited or upset if they can not find their things easily.

10. Help your child keep their school clothes organized. Many people find it easier to choose the clothes for the next day before going to bed. This makes the morning routine much easier.

11. Focus on the positive things your child does in school. Often giving a small reward is very effective.

12. Keep in contact with your child's teacher as often as you and the teacher feel it is necessary. Many teachers will send an email or a note on a daily basis.Back-To-School Tips for ADHD Children

There are many things parents can do to make the end of the summer transition to school easier for their children with ADHD.