A Back-to-School Checklist for Parents of Kids With ADHD

Summer is winding down and the excitement, and maybe a touch of anxiety, of a new school year is creeping in. For parents of children with ADHD, this transition can feel particularly daunting. With a little planning and some proactive strategies, you can help set your child up for a successful school year. 

In this blog post, we’ll be showcasing some effective ways to empower you to navigate the exciting and sometimes wiggly journey ahead.

Understanding your child’s needs: The foundation for success

Before diving into logistics, take a moment to reflect on your child’s specific needs. Here are some key areas to consider:

• Strengths and weaknesses — Identify your child’s academic strengths and weaknesses. This can help you tailor your support and advocate for any necessary accommodations in the classroom. 
• Learning style — Does your child learn best through visual aids, hands-on activities, or auditory instructions? Understanding their learning style can help you collaborate with teachers to create a learning environment that fosters their success.
• Triggers and coping mechanisms — What situations or activities tend to exacerbate your child’s ADHD symptoms? What strategies do they find helpful in managing their focus and energy?
  
  

Preparing for the school year: A smooth transition

Now that you understand your child’s needs and have established communication channels, you can focus on practical elements for a smooth transition:

• Medication information and documentation — Update the school with your child’s ADHD diagnosis, medications, and any relevant medical conditions or allergies. Provide written documentation from healthcare providers that outlines your child’s specific needs and accommodations. 
• School meetings — Schedule a meeting with your child’s teachers, counselors, and administrators early in the school year. Discuss your child’s unique strengths, challenges, and effective strategies you use at home. Collaborate on developing supportive plans for the classroom. 
• Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan — If your child qualifies, work with school personnel to create or update their IEP or 504 plan. These plans outline the accommodations, modifications, and support services that are tailored to your child’s needs to optimize learning and behavior management. 
• School supplies and organization — Gather necessary school supplies and any specialized tools recommended by educators or therapists. Set up a designated area at home for storing and organizing school supplies. You can help your child use visual aids like planners, color-coded folders, and checklists to keep them on track.
• Daily routine — Create and maintain a consistent daily schedule that includes set times for waking up, getting ready for school, meals, homework, extracurricular activities, and bedtime. Use visual schedules and timers to help your child anticipate transitions and stay on track. You can implement this schedule before school starts to help ease into the new school year and a new routine. Consistency can help children with ADHD feel grounded and prepared for what’s to come. It can also help boost their Executive Function skills. 
• Minimal distractions — Create a distraction-free environment for homework time. Turn off the TV, limit screen time, and find a quiet workspace that minimizes distractions. Consider using noise-canceling headphones or earplugs if background noise is an issue. 
• Healthy habits — Promote healthy sleep habits to ensure that your child is well-rested for school. Encourage a balanced diet rich in brain-boosting nutrients. Regular exercise also plays a crucial role in helping to manage ADHD symptoms. 
• Additional support — Don’t hesitate to seek support from healthcare professionals if your child struggles significantly with ADHD. Therapists can teach coping skills and address any underlying emotional challenges. 
  
  
  

Free resource: Student Success Kit

Beyond the school year: A journey of growth

While the back-to-school season is a crucial time for preparation, remember that supporting your child with ADHD is an ongoing process:

• Celebrate the wiggles — A child’s need for movement doesn’t define them. Their boundless energy can be a source of creativity and enthusiasm. Channel this energy into activities they enjoy, such as sports, dance classes, or outdoor play.
• Focus on strengths — ADHD can be accompanied by unique strengths. Your child might possess exceptional creativity, problem-solving skills, or a captivating sense of humor. Help your child identify and nurture these strengths to foster a sense of confidence and self-worth. 
• Keep open communication — Communication is a two-way street; encourage your child to communicate their challenges and successes throughout the school day. Listen actively and offer support without judgment. Develop a system for them to share any difficulties they encounter with their teachers or classmates. 
• Embrace patience and flexibility — There will be bumps along the road. There may be days when focus wanes or homework feels overwhelming. Practice patience and celebrate even small victories. 
• Take care of yourself — Parenting a child with ADHD can be demanding. Don’t neglect your own well-being. Try to schedule time for self-care activities that help you manage stress and recharge your batteries. A rested and supported parent is better equipped to support their child. 

By implementing some tips in this guide and maintaining a proactive involvement in your child’s education, you can create a supportive environment that enhances their academic achievements, social interactions, and overall well-being despite the challenges ADHD can bring. Collaboration and communication with their teachers, counselors, and administration can help your child receive the necessary support and resources to thrive in school.

Beyond BookSmart can help you support your child to be ready to conquer going back to school

At Beyond BookSmart, we have Executive Function coaching services to help your child be ready to go back to school. Our coaching services are designed to help improve skills so that students have the tools they need to create an effective and workable study routine. 

Executive Function skills are coachable, trainable, and can be applied for success. Beyond BookSmart services can help your child reach their fullest potential by personalizing the coaching to their personal strengths, learning differences, and emotional challenges.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an inquiry call.