Does your child with ADHD dread going back to school because of all of the challenges they face? Is it hard for them to organize or manage their behavior in the classroom? Knowing your child’s challenges and learning how to help them overcome them before the bell rings can provide the best support.

School can be challenging for any student. It is even more so for children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Children with this disorder have problems with boredom and putting their efforts into challenging tasks. It can be challenging to tackle multiple assignments and tests simultaneously as well as juggling clubs. Because ADHD makes it hard for a child to focus, they may struggle with listening to the teacher during class.

Instead of waiting until school starts for your child’s challenges to come up, it is best to plan ahead to ensure your child walks into those doors feeling ready to take on the school year.

Explore the School

The scariest thing for a child with ADHD is to not know where their new classes are. Instead of worrying about your child finding their classes on the first day, see if you can visit the school early and locate the classrooms with your child. You can also help your child locate where the bathrooms are as well as the auditorium, gym, library, nurse’s office, and principal’s office. Walk through your child’s schedule and treat the day like a normal school day before it starts.

Plan After-School Activities

In order for your child’s social skills to improve, get them involved in social activities. For example, there are sports teams, dance classes, art classes, and other fun things your child can do. If your child needs help with focusing, see if a martial arts club or chess club would help. Pick activities that will enhance your child’s strengths as well as provide the opportunity to work on their challenges. Exercise is another great way not only to keep your child physically fit but mentally fit at focusing on tasks at school.