26 August 2024
Back to School with ADHD: How to Crush the Chaos and Actually Keep Your Sanity
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It’s that time of year again, folks—sharpen those pencils, pack those lunches, and brace yourself for the annual back-to-school rodeo. If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a 9-year-old with ADHD who is both excited and anxious, and you’re just praying to every deity out there that you’ll survive the first few weeks without a meltdown. I mean, from either of you. Because, let’s be real—back to school isn’t just about them adjusting; it’s about all of us surviving the chaos that comes with it.
I’ve been through this enough times to know that the start of the school year is less of a transition and more of a gauntlet. Between new routines, teachers, classmates, and the sudden shock of having to sit still for more than five minutes—ADHD kiddos are dealing with a lot. And honestly, so are we.
Imagine it: the first day of school arrives, and you’ve done everything you can to prepare. You’ve labeled every single item, double-checked the school supply list, and even packed a balanced lunch (or at least one that doesn’t consist entirely of snacks). But as soon as that alarm rings on day one, it’s like all bets are off. Your kid’s excitement is bubbling over, but so is their anxiety. That energy they’ve been storing up all summer? Yeah, it’s about to explode like a shaken soda can.
Let’s be real—back to school is tough on everyone, but when you’ve got an ADHD kiddo in the mix, it can feel like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. Over lava. And just when you think you’ve got it balanced, one of those flaming swords is bound to drop, and suddenly, you’re trying to avoid disaster. But fear not, fellow warriors! We’ve all been there, and I’ve picked up some hard-won wisdom over the years that might just save your sanity. Here are my best back-to-school ADHD survival tips!
Routine Rehab—Ease Into the School Schedule
First things first: let’s talk about routines because if there’s one thing I’ve learned about ADHD kids, it’s that they need structure like we need coffee—daily and without fail. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t just cannonball into an ice-cold pool without dipping a toe in first, right? The same goes for your kiddo. Start inching that bedtime back to a reasonable hour a couple of weeks before school starts. The first week is going to be rough enough without the added joy of dragging them out of bed at the crack of dawn.
But it’s not just about sleep schedules—get them back into the swing of school-like routines during the day too. Set aside some quiet time for reading or throw in a few math problems here and there. This way, when they’re faced with a full day of learning, it won’t feel like they’ve been thrown into the deep end. Remember, back-to-school with an ADHD kid is all about easing the transition—not jumping in headfirst and hoping for the best.
School Prep Like a Pro—Get That Classroom Ready for Your ADHD Superstar
Another biggie is making sure the school environment is ready for your child. This means more than just packing their backpack with those ADHD-friendly school supplies. Reach out to the teacher ahead of time, introduce yourself, and give them the inside scoop on your child’s needs. You’d be amazed at how much smoother things go when the teacher knows what to expect and how to support your child right from the start.
And if you haven’t already, now might be the time to chat about a 504 plan or an IEP. These plans can provide accommodations that help your child succeed—think extra time on tests, movement breaks, or seating arrangements that minimize distractions. You’re not asking for special treatment—you’re making sure your child has what they need to be the best version of themselves.
Master the Morning Madness—Conquer the A.M. Chaos
Mornings. The make-or-break time of day for ADHD families. There’s nothing like the rush of trying to get out the door on time while your kid is still on a scavenger hunt for their shoes. (Spoiler: they’re in the fridge for some reason.) But mornings don’t have to be a battle royale. One of my favorite ADHD back-to-school hacks is to create a morning checklist that your child can follow independently (or with a little nudge). Keep it simple and visual—pictures work great for younger kids.
And here’s a game-changer: prep as much as you can the night before. Lay out clothes, pack lunches, and make sure backpacks are by the door. It cuts down on the morning chaos and gives you a few precious extra minutes to deal with the inevitable curveballs that come your way.
Cool-Down Central—Create a Decompression Zone at Home
After a long day of school, your kiddo might come home feeling like they’ve been hit by a sensory freight train. That’s where a cool-down zone comes in. Set up a quiet corner with some favorite books, a cozy blanket, or even some fidget toys to help them unwind. Because let’s be real—back to school with an ADHD child isn’t just about surviving the school day, it’s about making the whole experience smoother, from the first bell to bedtime.
Stock Up on ADHD-Friendly School Supplies
Shopping for school supplies can be like letting your ADHD kid loose in a candy store. So many choices! But before you go wild, focus on what will actually help them stay organized. For us, that means colorful folders, a homework planner with big spaces to write in, and fidget tools that won’t annoy the teacher (too much).
Last year, I discovered these erasable pens that blew my son’s mind—he could write and rewrite without the mess of a thousand eraser shavings. It’s the little things, right? Also, consider noise-canceling headphones if your child gets easily distracted by the chaos of the classroom.
Create a Homework Zone for ADHD Success (And Keep it Sacred)
Homework time was a war zone in my house until I wised up and created a designated homework zone tailored for ADHD success. This space is free from distractions—no TV, no toys, no siblings lurking around. We keep it stocked with everything he needs so there’s no excuse to wander off mid-assignment (which was happening way too often).
I also invested in a visual timer, so he knows exactly how long he has to work before he gets a break. This has been a game-changer because he can see the time ticking down, and it keeps him focused, knowing a reward is coming.
Embrace Positive Reinforcement for Your ADHD Child
If I’ve learned one thing from raising an ADHD child, it’s that positive reinforcement is your secret weapon. Sticker charts, rewards for completed tasks, extra screen time—whatever it takes. I’m not above bribery if it means my son gets through his morning routine without losing a shoe. Again.
We’ve also started doing a weekly “high-five” chart, where he gets a high-five (and a small reward) for each day he gets through without major issues. It’s simple, but effective. He’s more motivated to stay on track when there’s a tangible reward at the end of the week.
Keep Communication Open with Teachers About Your Child's ADHD
You know that dreaded email from the teacher—the one that makes you hold your breath before opening it? Yeah, I’ve gotten plenty of those. But I’ve learned that the best defense is a good offense. I make it a point to check in with my son’s teacher regularly, not just when there’s a problem. Open communication is key to supporting your ADHD child in school.
I’ve found that by keeping the lines of communication open, we can troubleshoot potential issues before they blow up. Plus, the teacher appreciates knowing that I’m on the same team. We’re all working toward the same goal—helping my son have a successful year.
The Bottom Line: You’ve Got This!
Back-to-school season is a marathon, not a sprint—especially when you’re parenting a child with ADHD. But with a little preparation, a lot of patience, and a good dose of humor, you can get through it without losing your mind.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress. Celebrate the small wins, and don’t beat yourself up over the occasional (or frequent) misstep. We’re all doing our best, and at the end of the day, that’s enough.
And hey, if you’re looking for more ADHD parenting strategies, check out Sanity Restored, my coaching program for parents who want to regain control of their lives after an ADHD diagnosis. We’ve got a new cohort starting soon, and I’d love to help you navigate this crazy journey with a little more confidence and a lot less stress.
Here’s to surviving—and maybe even thriving—this school year!
Back to School with ADHD: How to Crush the Chaos and Actually Keep Your Sanity
Get ready for back-to-school season with these ADHD parenting tips! Discover how to create routines, prep teachers, and manage morning madness for a smooth transition.
8/26/20246 min read