Back to School for Kids with ADHD

How parents can support kids with ADHD during the transition back to school.

Back-to-school season can be both exciting and stressful for most families, but for kids with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and their caregivers, back-to-school is often met with extra challenges.

As a parent of a child with ADHD, I’ve learned that transitioning from an often-flexible summertime schedule to a very structured one at school can be difficult. For a kid who is easily distracted, has a hard time sitting still and waiting for his turn to talk, back-to-school can feel overwhelming and hard.

This article offers practical strategies for making the transition smoother at home and in the classroom. I spoke with a local registered psychologist, Rechell Singh, who specializes in childhood ADHD and is the Founder of Journey Psychology in Sherwood Park.  She offered some expert advice on how to support your child at home and school.

Why is back-to-school so challenging for kids with ADHD?

 Transitions bring stress for kids with ADHD and heading back to school after a two-month break is a big transition. Kids must adjust to a new routine, pay attention in class, follow instructions, stay organized and try to get along with everyone. Plus, they have to wake up earlier and meet higher expectations for independence.

Switching from summer holidays, which are often less structured, to an environment with such demand on executive function, attention, and organization can lead to stress, frustration and even behaviour problems.

What can parents do at home to help?

Be consistent and set up routines.

Consistency is key, especially at home. You should establish and stick to a routine for mornings, after-school time and bedtime long before school starts. Preparing ahead will make the transition less shocking. Kids with ADHD also often struggle with power struggles, so setting their expectations with a consistent routine can help create smoother mornings and bedtimes.  

Expert Advice: Using visual schedules, checklists, and timers can help externalize expectations and reduce power struggles. Keeping the home environment calm and structured helps children feel more secure and capable.

Set up a system for managing tasks.

Helping children learn how to initiate tasks and stay organized will enable them to accomplish tasks like promptly getting dressed in the morning or remembering to do their homework. For kids with ADHD, visual cues like colourful morning and evening checklists can help them practice independence while reducing the pressure of having to remember everything all at once. 

Expert Tip: Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps is crucial. Visual cues such as picture charts or whiteboards, and consistent routines support memory and task initiation. It also helps to give clear, concise instructions and build in short breaks. 

Proper sleep and nutrition are vital.

Many kids with ADHD have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. It’s difficult to shut down their brains and stop wiggling! Unfortunately, a lack of proper sleep will only make symptoms worse. Sleep and nutrition have a direct impact on attention, mood and behaviour. Though it can sometimes be a challenge, keep at it and try to prioritize these things for your child.

Expert Advice: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, limiting screens before bed, and creating a calming sleep environment can be helpful. Balanced meals and regular snacks can stabilize energy levels and support concentration. 

How can parents advocate for their kids at school?

Share your child’s diagnosis and needs with their teacher.

Telling your child’s teacher and school about their diagnosis and learning needs is essential. In my experience, the more information my child’s teacher had about his challenges, needs and successes, the more she was able to support him. Keeping open and collaborative communication with the teacher throughout the year can make a big difference.

Expert Advice: I often recommend that parents schedule a brief meeting with the teacher early in the year to share insights about their child’s strengths, challenges, and what strategies have worked in the past. Check ins throughout the school year can also be valuable as they can allow parents to see what is working and also modify what is not.

Ask for reasonable accommodations.

While the teacher can’t give all her attention and time to just one or a few children in a large classroom, there are reasonable accommodations that can be made that will help. For example, asking that your child sit near the front of the classroom or in a quiet space can help with focus.

Other reasonable accommodations include allowing kids extra time on assignments, providing regular movement breaks, offering access to fidgets, or breaking tasks into smaller steps. The goal is to reduce barriers to learning while keeping kids engaged and building their confidence.

Build a meaningful connection with your child.

Singh shared that even giving your child five to ten minutes of undivided attention each day, doing something they enjoy, can strengthen your connection with them and reduce their anxiety. You also want to make an extra effort to encourage your child and praise them when things go well.

Expert Advice: Positive reinforcement, such as acknowledging effort rather than just outcomes, goes a long way. Simple phrases like “I saw how hard you worked today” or “It’s okay to feel frustrated, we’ll figure it out together” can be very grounding.

Focus on progress, not perfection.

Back-to-school is never going to be perfect, and you don’t have to have all the answers. Switch your focus from perfection to progress, and be flexible. As your child ages, their needs and what works for them might change.

Expert Advice: “Kids with ADHD thrive with support, consistency, and encouragement, and it’s okay to adjust strategies as you go. Trust that you’re not alone, there’s a team of people (teachers, clinicians, caregivers) who can help support your child’s growth and learning.”

Back-to-school, and even getting through the school year, can be tough but you’re not alone. Celebrate the small wins, redefine what success looks like for your family and reach out for help when you need it.

You’ve got this, and your child will, too.