Getting Children with ADD/ADHD Learning Disabilities Ready to Go Back to School

According to the United States Census Bureau, approximately 7.5% of school-aged children in the United States have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These learning disabilities affect a child’s ability to stay focused, pay attention, and complete tasks.  For many parents of children with ADD or ADHD, sending a child back to school may cause temporary anxiety and new levels of stress and worry.   Living Well With A Disability can assist you in finding the resources and information you may need to make a smooth transition from summer vacation to the classroom.

How to Prepare Your Child to Go Back to School

For some, the shock of going back to school after a summer of lounging by the pool is a bit emotional.  Preparing your child mentally and emotionally for the school year can make or break a child’s first day back at school.  Here are some tips to make the transition back to school smoother!

1. Keep your child active throughout the summer; have books and academic activities for them to engage in.  (If this hasn’t been done yet, gradually start now before school starts).
2. If they’re a new student, take them on a tour of the school before the first day of classes.
3. If possible, introduce your child to their new teacher prior to the first day.
4. Encourage independence for daily tasks and assign appropriate chores around the house.
5. Incorporate the things he or she will be learning at school into their daily activities.  For example, if your child is going into 3rd grade and will be learning multiplication, ask them to multiply the fruits and veggies on their dinner plate.  (This should be done year-round.)

10 Homework Tips for Parents

Staying involved with your child’s schoolwork at home is important in helping them succeed academically.  Following these tips may help your child conquer their homework.

1. Have your child complete his or her homework at the same location every day with no distractions (television, telephone, pets, etc.).
2. At the beginning of the year, create a homework supply kit and make sure it is always filled with everything your child will need to stay on task (ex: paper, pens, pencils, markers).
3. Stick to a routine.  Homework should be done at the same time each day and there should be specific rules in place that each parent, sibling, and child should know.
4. Keep organized.  Use color-coded folders and notebooks and introduce your child to a calendar.  It’s a good habit to start early!  Also, ask your child to pack their book bag at night instead of the morning.
5. Teach your child mnemonic phrases.  Example:  When learning the notes on a music staff many teachers tell their students to remember: Every Good Boy Does Fine.
6. Take frequent, short breaks throughout homework time to avoid your child getting too tired.
7. Start homework projects early so they are spaced out.  This will help reduce stress on your child and you!
8. Provide positive feedback and encouragement!
9. Create specific, attainable, and timely goals for your child to focus on.
10. Use a timer or hourglass to help your child stay focused during homework time.

It is important to be patient and always stay positive.  If you are frustrated, think how frustrated your child may be.  By staying positive and showing how much you love school, your child will learn the same!

To find more resources on how to prepare your child for school, call the Living Well With A Disability Hotline at 1-877-TO-LIV-WELL. A Living Well With A Disability specialist can work with you to get the resources you need!