Supporting Your Child with ADHD: Practical Tips for Parents

October is ADHD Awareness Month, a perfect opportunity to deepen our understanding of ADHD and explore strategies that help children thrive in school. If your child is among the 5% diagnosed with ADHD, navigating school can present unique challenges. Here are practical tips to help you and your child work together with their school for the best possible experience.

1. Early Identification and Proactive Support

• Pay attention to patterns in your child's concentration and behaviour. If you notice consistent struggles, speak with the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) to access targeted support.
• Request an assessment if needed, as a clear understanding of your child’s needs allows the school to tailor accommodations.

2. Foster Consistency Between Home and School

• Communicate with teachers regularly to ensure consistent approaches to learning and behavior management. Misalignments can be confusing and stressful for children, so aligning expectations and support methods is key.
• Share any successful strategies used at home that could work in the classroom and vice versa.

3. Set Manageable, Clear Goals

• Work with teachers to set small, achievable goals. Monitoring progress and celebrating achievements, however small, can motivate your child and provide structure.
• Track any recurring patterns—whether struggles appear more in specific subjects, seasons, or times of day—so you can adapt support accordingly.

4. Identify Optimal Learning Times

Take note of the times and situations when your child focuses best. Aim to place their most challenging tasks during these productive periods, balancing them with enjoyable activities to maintain engagement.

5. Develop Homework and Study Routines

• Establish a designated study area and break tasks into manageable steps, providing gentle guidance as they work. Encourage short, frequent breaks and use checklists to help your child stay organized and focused on completing assignments.
• For revision, consider multi-sensory techniques like flashcards, visuals, and recordings to keep studying dynamic.

6. Organize with Visual Reminders

• Use visual aids and reminders to help your child prepare for each school day. Checklist boards by the door or color-coded timetables can be helpful for remembering items and assignments.
• Reinforce organization skills by rewarding successful self-organization efforts, such as remembering all supplies for school.

7. Nurture Self-Esteem

Recognize your child’s unique strengths and celebrate their accomplishments, whether academic or not. Encouraging their interests and building on their skills boosts confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

8. Balance Screen Time and Rest

Set gentle boundaries for electronic use, particularly around study time and before bed, to help with focus and sleep quality. Encouraging regular, screen-free breaks can be a positive routine.

9. Access Mental Health Support if Needed

If school anxiety or other emotional challenges arise, consider seeking support from the school conselor or a professional. Sometimes children find it easier to talk to someone outside the family, which can relieve stress and provide coping strategies.

10. Consider Medical Options with Professional Guidance

Medication may be a supportive option, especially for attention difficulties or sleep issues. Consult a healthcare professional to explore what’s best for your child’s needs.

With these tools and a proactive, collaborative approach, you can help your child feel supported, understood, and more equipped to navigate school with confidence.

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