How parents can prepare children with ADHD for school
The stress of a new school term for parents is something we understand, especially when you’re trying to help a child with ADHD focus in school. Having the right approach for your child’s needs can be the difference between a positive school experience, and one that’s a struggle.
Academic success may be key to your child’s confidence both in and out of the classroom, as well as their overall attitude towards learning. If you want to know how to help a child with ADHD in school alongside their teachers, we have useful tips below.
Table of contents
- 8 suggestions to help your child prepare for school
- How can parents and teachers work together?
- Looking for ADHD support for your child?
8 suggestions to help your child prepare for school
If you’ve ever heard the phrase ‘By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.’ you’ll understand the importance of getting ahead of the school year. This is the case for any child but can be especially useful for a child with ADHD. Some suggestions for before, and during, the school year are outlined below.
Organise calendars
Instead of having your child rely entirely on a school planner, it may be useful to create a shared family calendar for better visibility of homework, activities, or tests that a child may need to prepare for. This means you can gently remind them of anything upcoming while giving them better visibility of time.
This could be digital with older children or something physical in the home. It can be useful to incorporate colour-coding for different subjects or activities to create a more visual aid.
Organise school books and materials
Creating a consistent system for organising school materials can be great for routine. Labelled folders for homework by subject can help them know what to bring each day based on classes. Homework can also be organised on a child’s desk by status such as to-do, doing, and done. Set places for things to be kept can also help to avoid losing them - no more last-minute panic trying to find the PE bag.
Reviewing these systems regularly with your child can help you to keep visibility and make sure everything is in order.
Help your child prioritise tasks
Being able to rank tasks by importance or deadlines is a skill that will help your child long after they finish education. Going through tasks with them and figuring out a good order can reduce feelings of overwhelm and help them to use time effectively.
Whether your child works best with a to-do list in order of importance or sticky notes on a calendar, something visual that they can update daily and see their progress on can create a real sense of accomplishment.
Establish routines
Creating a structured routine for predictability can help any child but especially those with ADHD.
A clear morning routine can help them be prepared for the day and can also create a more positive mood. A morning checklist (get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, check schoolbag) can help you and your child to make sure you don’t forget anything important.
After school, creating structure for homework time, mealtimes, and relaxation can help with restlessness. It can be useful to do something active between the end of the school day and homework to help your child to refocus.
A clear bedtime routine with a set bedtime and pre-sleep steps can help your child wind down from the day. It may be useful to create a period, before they are meant to go to sleep, without screens or activities that will be too stimulating.
Create a homework schedule
Creating routines around homework can be useful, especially for children with ADHD, and a schedule that includes time for breaks can help with restlessness. Some people find it helpful to set an alarm for every 20-30 minutes and have their child take a short 5-10 minute break, but you can find any routine that works for you and your child.
You can also time homework for your child’s concentration periods. After exercise they may be more willing to focus. Mealtimes and the times they take medications could also have an impact. Creating a distraction-free space for homework may also help.
Help them with time management
Time management is a skill that your child will rely on for the rest of their lives and is essential both for everyday routines and for specific projects and tasks. Alongside the calendar, using alarms or timers can be a great way to keep track of time and avoid forgetting things.
You can also help your child to manage their time with complex tasks better by breaking them down into steps. For example, they may find it less overwhelming if, instead of ‘tidy your bedroom’, you specify they need to ‘make the bed, put laundry in the basket, and put away toys’.
Encourage relaxation after school
The transition from a stimulating environment like school to home life may make it hard for children to settle into their relaxation time. While structured time for homework tasks can be important, finding relaxing activities for your child to enjoy during their time at home can prevent them becoming restless from boredom or stressed from overstimulation.
Sport or physical exercise to release excess energy before their evening routine such as martial arts, dance, sports clubs, or even a walk in nature might suit your child. Reading, art, playing an instrument, or cooking are all examples of great activities they might enjoy too that keep them occupied while they unwind.
Motivate your child to exercise
Every child can benefit from a healthy relationship with exercise for improving their confidence, learning, and mood but, in the case of ADHD children, you may see even more noticeable results. Research shows that children with ADHD see benefits including less aggressive behaviours, improvements in anxiety and depression, and fewer social problems.
Guidelines suggest children should get 60 minutes of physical activity per day. Some great examples outside of team sports and organised physical activity such as dance classes are:
- family bike rides or walks
- playing active games like hide and seek with friends
- jumping rope or playground games such as hopscotch
- helping with active chores around the house, garden, or running errands
How can parents and teachers work together?
There are several tips that can help parents and teachers work together in helping students with ADHD.
Appreciative communication
Maintain open and appreciative communication with teachers. Focus on the strengths and progress of your child. Acknowledge each other's efforts and contributions in supporting their growth and development. When sharing concerns, communicate in a way that shows willingness to listen and learn together.
Honest analysis of behaviour
Engage in honest and constructive discussions about your child’s behaviour. Both in the classroom and at home. Share observations, concerns, and insights. This will help everyone understand the factors influencing their behaviour and academic performance.
Progress reviews
Regularly review your child’s progress together. Discuss academic achievements, behavioural improvements, and areas for development. Set aside dedicated time for progress reviews to assess the effectiveness of interventions and adjust strategies as needed.
Special educational services for children with ADHD
Accessing specialised educational services is essential for children with ADHD to receive the support they need to succeed academically.
In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) provides Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) services.
A range of support options are available to meet the individual needs of children with ADHD:
- Educational assessments
- Tailored education plans
- Specialist support and interventions
- Training and resources for parents and teachers
- Transition planning and support
You can read our full guide on advice for schools to help young children with ADHD and find out more about how teachers can help your child grow in school.
An ADHD diagnosis can allow children and adults to get the educational support they may need. At Clinical Partners, our mental health specialists are here to support you and your family.
We specialise in providing ADHD referral services for children and young adults.
Whether your child is experiencing difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or a combination of these experiences, we offer specialised services to suit their needs.
Clinically reviewed
- Amy Mowson