Back to School for Families with ADHD
Getting Back on Track After Vacation: Strategies for Families with ADHD
I’m a big fan of the Olympics. The stories of athletes and how they made it to that stage never cease to amaze me. Every single one of them has trained with laser focus for years to attain the goal of competing at that level.
The Summer Olympics also bring to mind all the track meets that I attended while my twins were in high school and college. My memories of those days might be filled with the weather details – it’s always too cold, too hot, too windy, raining, or even snowing on track meet days, it seems, but in reality, I loved being at the track, and watching the runners compete.
One thing I remember well is that even with the distance races my boys ran, the beginning of the race was important. For sure, when you’re running sprints, getting out of the blocks cleanly and getting a good start is imperative, but even if you’re running a longer race, if things start off shaky for you, it’s difficult to recover. It’s not impossible, but it makes the whole process much more difficult.
The same principle applies to the back-to-school season. Starting the academic year on the right foot can set the tone for the months ahead.
As we approach this back-to-school season, I’ve been thinking about the importance of getting off to a good start. Just as a runner needs to mentally prepare for the race before walking up to the starting line, students and families need to prepare for the new academic year.
It’s exciting for many students to do that back-to-school shopping. Finding the clothes that will express your personality and also be comfortable for those long days in the classroom can be exciting, and choosing the right backpack, pencil case, and notebooks may be fun. Who doesn’t love having that new pack of perfectly sharpened pencils (only Ticonderoga for me, please!)?
But beyond getting the new supplies, how can a family prepare well for this new school year? What will the process be for:
Beginning-of-the-year forms
Make sure everything is in backpacks in the evening before bed so the mornings go smoothly
Homework – when, where, with what support
Lunch arrangements
Keeping up with after-school activities so everyone gets to the right place at the right time
Paperwork that is required to go back and forth from school to home
Locations for backpacks upon arrival home each day
What kind of calendar/planner will work best (and, no, just checking Google Classroom each day is NOT a strategy that is effective for 99% of students that I have worked with)
Looking at grades and classroom portals
What will the bedtime routine look like
Planning for these and other details beforehand can make for a smoother “race.” When a family is also dealing with ADHD, it is even more important to make a clear plan of action. Since we know that many students who have ADHD also have at least one family member who also has ADHD, things can get complicated pretty quickly.
For families with ADHD, establishing a structured routine and clear expectations can make a world of difference. It helps everyone know what to expect and reduces the chaos that can often accompany the school year.
How can your family approach this academic year so that when that first day arrives, everyone is ready to go? Not only do all the kids have shiny new sneakers and fresh glue sticks and crayons, but everyone knows how the day will go, from waking up to getting out the door in a timely manner, to arriving at home and getting all the things done that need to be done in the busy afternoon and evening.
Here are a few additional tips to help your family start the school year strong:
Create a visual schedule: Use a whiteboard or calendar to map out daily routines and activities. This helps everyone know what’s coming next and keeps the family organized.
Set up a dedicated homework space: Having a quiet, organized place for homework can improve focus and productivity.
Implement a consistent bedtime routine: Good sleep is crucial for managing ADHD symptoms. Ensure everyone follows a calming routine before bed.
Communicate with teachers: Establishing a good relationship with your child’s teachers can provide valuable insights and support throughout the school year.
It’s also essential to focus on mental and emotional preparation. Encourage open discussions about any anxieties or concerns your children might have about the new school year. Understanding and addressing these fears can significantly reduce stress and create a more supportive home environment.
Mental and Emotional Preparation: Key to Success
Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine. Simple activities like deep breathing exercises, short meditation sessions, or even a family walk can help everyone stay grounded and reduce the overwhelm that often comes with ADHD.
Remember the importance of self-care for parents. When parents care for their own mental and emotional health, they are better equipped to support their children. Set aside some time each day for activities that help you relax and recharge.
Lastly, consider joining a support group or finding a community of other parents dealing with similar challenges. Sharing experiences and strategies can provide new insights and a sense of solidarity. Knowing you’re not alone in this journey can make a significant difference. I invite you to join ADHD Allies, a supportive community where you can connect with others, share your experiences, and find the resources you need to thrive.
If your family could use some help as you prepare, I’d love to set up a time for us to have a free back-to-school planning session!
Once you sign up, I will send you some “homework” to get ready for our time together. Then we will spend 45 minutes working on how you can best approach the starting line of this new school year. I’ll follow up that session with some clear recommendations and a summary of what we discussed.
I am offering these free sessions to the first 7 families who sign up. Don’t miss this great opportunity to make your life easier this fall! Additionally, I invite you to check out my latest blog post, “ADHD, Relationships, and the Power of Nature Therapy,” where I explore how nature can be a therapeutic tool for managing ADHD and improving relationships. You can read it here.