Back-to-School Strategies for ADHD Students: How to Start the Year Right

As summer winds down and the new school year approaches, many parents and students start feeling the familiar mix of excitement and anxiety. For students with ADHD, and their families, the transition back to school can bring additional challenges. At Aislings Psychotherapies, we understand these challenges deeply and are here to support you through them.

Whether your child is returning to secondary school after a long break or transitioning to a new year, understanding ADHD in the school context can set them up for success. In this post, we’ll explore strategies that can help both students and their families navigate the back-to-school period with confidence and ease.

Understanding Overstimulation and the Back-to-School Transition

Returning to school after the holidays can be overwhelming for any student, but particularly for those with ADHD. The sudden shift from the relaxed pace of summer to the structured demands of school can lead to overstimulation. This might manifest as irritability, anxiety, or even disruptive behaviour. Here are some tips to help manage overstimulation during this time:

  • Gradual Transition: Start adjusting your child’s routine a week or two before school begins. Gradually reintroduce earlier bedtimes, structured activities, and limited screen time to help ease them back into the school mindset.
  • Create a Calm Environment: After a busy day at school, provide a calm space at home where your child can decompress. This could be a quiet corner with soft lighting, comfortable seating, and activities that help them relax, like reading, drawing, or listening to calming music.
  • Keep Communication Open: Encourage your child to express how they’re feeling about the return to school. Let them know it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and that you’re there to support them through it.

Strike When the Iron Is Cold: Handling Difficult Behaviors

One of the most challenging aspects of parenting a child with ADHD in school is managing behaviour during emotionally charged moments. The concept of “striking when the iron is cold” can be incredibly helpful here. This means waiting until your child is calm and composed before discussing any challenging behaviour or natural consequences.

  • Avoid Immediate Confrontation: If your child is upset or overwhelmed, it’s not the best time to address their behaviour. Give them space to calm down first. You can say something like, “I see that you’re upset right now. Let’s take a break and talk about this later when we’re both feeling better.”
  • Focus on Problem-Solving: Once your child has calmed down, approach the conversation with a focus on finding solutions rather than assigning blame. This not only helps to maintain your connection with your child but also teaches them valuable problem-solving skills.

Connection Before Correction: Prioritising Your Relationship

When it comes to guiding children with ADHD, the strength of your relationship with them is key. “Connection before correction” is about ensuring that your bond with your child takes precedence, even when you need to address difficult behaviour linked to their ADHD in school.

  • Start with Empathy: Before correcting your child, acknowledge their feelings. For example, “I can see that you’re frustrated about this, and that makes sense. Let’s talk about how we can make it better together.”
  • Reinforce Positives: Whenever possible, highlight the positive aspects of your child’s behaviour. This can help boost their confidence and reinforce your connection. Even small achievements deserve recognition.

Support for Parents: Navigating Challenges Together

While the focus is often on the child, it’s important to acknowledge that back-to-school transitions can be just as challenging for parents. Balancing work, household responsibilities, and your child’s needs can be overwhelming, and it can sometimes create strain in your relationship with others.

  • Open Communication with Your Partner: Make time to talk openly with your partner about the challenges you’re facing. Discuss how you can support each other and share responsibilities during this busy time.
  • Seek Support When Needed: Remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Whether it’s from family, friends, or professionals like the team at Aislings Psychotherapies, you don’t have to navigate this alone. We offer support not just for young people but for their families as well, recognising the impact ADHD in school can have on the entire household.
  • Practice Self-Care: Caring for yourself is essential to being able to care for your child effectively. Take small steps each day to ensure you’re looking after your own well-being, whether it’s a short walk, a relaxing bath, or even just a few minutes of deep breathing.

How Aislings Psychotherapies Can Help

At Aislings Psychotherapies, we specialize in supporting secondary school children and young people with ADHD, as well as their families. Our team of neurodiverse professionals understands the unique challenges you face and is here to offer guidance, strategies, and emotional support.

We offer online therapy and coaching tailored to the needs of both young people and their parents. Whether your child needs help managing their ADHD symptoms in school or you’re looking for support in navigating the complexities of parenting, we’re here to help.

Our approach is collaborative, meaning we work closely with you and your child to create strategies that work for your specific situation. We also recognize that every family is different, and we tailor our services to meet your unique needs.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can support you and your family this school year, please reach out. You can book a 15-minute exploratory call by emailing us, or visit our website to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you start the school year off right.

Final Thoughts

The back-to-school period can be a challenging time for students with ADHD in school and their families, but with the right strategies and support, it can also be a time of growth and success. By focusing on connection, understanding, and collaboration, you can help your child navigate the school year with confidence. And remember, at Aislings Psychotherapies, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Here’s to a great school year!

Warm regards,
The Aislings Psychotherapies Team