School can be tough for children for a lot of different reasons. For kids dealing with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), succeeding can be especially difficult. That's because sitting still, listening quietly, paying close attention, following instructions, and concentrating may challenging.
But by working with your child, their teachers, and their school to come up with creative solutions to the challenges that ADHD poses, you can help them find a track to success. Here are several strategies that will go a long way toward helping your child have a positive, productive grade-school experience:
Partner with your child's teachers
Why: Your child spends practically every day with their teachers and those teachers have a very strong influence over your child's learning experiences. It's crucial that you have an open, communicative relationship with the teachers so you can discuss how your child is doing, including what progress is being made and what potential problems are developing.
Suggested strategies: Communication about ADHD and school issues is key. Having a journal that your child takes back and forth to school and home each day is a great way to keep a regular correspondence going with the school staff. Teachers can jot down notes to you about your child's behavior and school performance and you can address any questions or concerns you may have.
Maintaining a daily report card is also a good system for keeping track of how your child is doing in school on a day-to-day basis. It should list very specific daily goals so it's easy for your child to say what they are being asked to do and whether they are fulfilling those expectations. (For example: "They completed today's reading assignment.").
It also helps to have a reward system in place so your child can enjoy things like extra playtime happen if they work hard. In school, kids with ADHD often receive a lot of negative feedback for their behavior and their self-esteem can suffer as a result. Learning that they have the power to make behavior choices that will earn them positive feedback and rewards can be very motivating.
Become creatures of habit
Why: Having a set daily routine Monday through Friday helps kids with ADHD stay on track and better understand what they should be doing and when.
Suggested strategies: ADHD in school-age children can wreak havoc on habits. Print your daily schedule, post it where your child can see it, and try to follow it as closely as possible. Also, have your child wear a wristwatch to help them learn to manage time and stick to a schedule. Let them pick out one with a fun band that they'll enjoy wearing.
Inspire organization
Why: Many kids with ADHD struggle with organization which can lead to performance problems in school.
Suggested strategies: Make this your household motto: "There's a place for everything, and everything in its place."
Teach your child good organization skills by showing them the appropriate places to keep toys, clothes, and school materials. Use notebooks and organizers to help keep schoolwork organized and an assignment book to keep track of homework. Take time each day to check in with your child on the organization of things and talk about where they should be if they're out of place. Then, work together to put things away.
Be a homework helper
Why: It's likely that your child will need your help getting started and breaking down large assignments into smaller, more manageable ones that are easier to tackle.
Suggested strategies: Establish a routine for doing homework that includes a designated time and place that's as distraction-free as possible. Be there to help your child as needed, but don't do the work for him. Fortify them with healthy snacks made from whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins like those found in nut butters. Avoid processed food that's high in added sugar, saturated fat, and sodium.
Take advantage of special services
Why: Specific legislation has been enacted over the past several decades to provide specialized academic support and services for children with ADHD and other learning disabilities. Two of those laws, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), entitle your child to a free academic evaluation that determines whether they qualify for special support or even an individualized education program (IEP) tailored especially for learning-disabled students.
Suggested strategy: As a parent, you are in the best position to advocate for your child to ensure they receive needed academic services and accommodations. Ask your child's teacher or school counselor about these services.
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Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Preventi...
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ADHD in the Classroom: Helping Children Succeed in School. July 25, 2024.