ADHD and the Return to the Classroom Routine: Essential Tips

Back to school is a crucial time, especially for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

For many parents, proper preparation is essential to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

After listening carefully to our customers, we compiled the 12 best tipsfor the return to classes of children with PHDA in this video:

And if you want to know what they are our 5 favorite strategies, here they are ⬇️

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Tip 1: Establish a consistent routine

Summer holidays are a wonderful time for children to relax, but they can also completely deregulate the routine of schedules.

It is common that during the holidays the little ones sleep and agree later. 😴 But as the return to school approaches, it is important start to adjust graduallythese times.

Think of the weeks leading up to the start of classes as a transition period:

If classes start on September 15, for example, start adjusting your child's sleep routine at the beginning of the month. Gradually make her go to bed earlier and agree earlier as well.

This will help ensure that when the first day of school arrives, she is used to sleeping the hours she needs to feel rested and alert!

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Tip 2: Limit screen time

With the return to school, it is essential to control the child's screen time, especially since excessive time in front of electronic devices can increase anxiety, negatively impact attention and school performance. 📱🚫

Studies show that limiting screen time helps improve sleep quality and reduce impulsivity, crucial aspects for children with PHDA.

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How to do this?

• Set a maximum daily time: the recommendations of American Academy of Pediatrics suggest no more than 1-2 hours per day for school-age children.
• Includes regular breaks:as well as the Pomodoro technique for studies, it creates regular pauses in the use of screens. For example, after 30 minutes, encourage a 10-15 minute break for physical activities or other games that help develop social and motor skills.
• Use parental control tools:There are several applications and settings on the devices that allow you to monitor and limit screen time. Use these tools to help manage your technology usage.
• Give the example:limit your own screen time. Children are more likely to follow limits if they see adults doing the same!

⚠️ Attention: Remember that this tip applies to all types of screens, from mobile phones and computers to video game consoles and other electronic devices widely used on leisure holidays.

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Tip 3: Create a suitable study environment

Imagine that the return to school is only a few weeks away. It's time to transform a space in the house into a dedicated study environment.

Think of a quiet and organized space, where the child can concentrate without distractions. This space should be welcoming, but also functional, with all school materials available, but organized. Not everything should be on top of the desk.

Having a clean table, shelves with books and materials organized can make all the difference - and even arouse the interest of the child to return to the routine of classes!

In addition, it is important to balance study time with moments of leisure. Children with attention deficitbenefit from regular intervals to avoid mental overload.

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👉 A good practice is to use the Pomodoro technique:

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Tip 4: Maintain open communication with the school

Maintain open and constant communication with teachers.

Share information about your child's specific needs and strategies that usually work best for them at home.

This allows the school to offer more personalized and effective support.

📌 If you want to know more about hyperactivity in the classroom context, we recommend this full video.

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And in the case of a new school?

• If possible, visit the school before the start of classes:take the child to get to know the building, the classroom and other important areas such as the cafeteria and recreation spaces.
  • If you hear of other students who will also be going to the new school, organize a meeting to make friends before the start of classes.
  • If your child is going to use public transport to go to the new school, take some training trips with her before school starts, so she feels safer when she has to do it alone.
• Talk about feelings:encourage the child to express feelings about the new school. Listen to concerns and offer support and encouragement.
• Establish regular check-ins:have daily conversations about how the day was at school, helping to identify and resolve any problems quickly.

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Tip 5: If deemed necessary, use resources and specialized support

Consider the help of PHDA specialists, as psychologists and occupational therapists.

They can provide intervention techniques and additional support to improve a child's academic performance and emotional well-being.

Specialists can also guide parentson how to deal with challenging behaviorsand offer recommendations on additional resources, such as school support programs or family support groups.

This support is crucial to ensure that the child receives the help they need to thrive both at school and at home. 😌

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But after all, what exactly is PHDA and how does it affect school performance?

PHDA is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child's ability to concentrate, control impulses, and/or maintain attention. These symptoms can lead to learning difficultiesand behavior at school.

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Impact of PHDA in the School

Children with PHDA may face specific challenges, such as:

• Difficulty completing tasks
• Organizational problems
• Low quality in social interaction

It is essential that parents and teachers understand these challenges in order to provide the necessary support.

Proper preparation for back to school can transform a potentially stressful period into a time of growth and learning.

Use the strategies we describe throughout this articleto ensure that the child is ready and confident to face the new school year!

📚 For more information on this subject, visit our page children's treatmentsand discover our other specialized resources and services.

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References

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Read IM, Feldman HM. Academic and educational outcomes of children with ADHD. J Pediatrician Psychol. 2007; 32 (6) :643-654. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsl054

Peterson BS, Trampush J, Maglione M, et al. Treatments for ADHD in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics. 2024; 153 (4) :e2024065787. doi:10.1542/peds.2024-065787.

Reinke AL, Stiles K, Lee SS. Childhood ADHD With and Without Co-Occurring Internalizing/Externalizing Problems: Prospective Predictions of Change in Adolescent Academic and Social Functioning. J Atten Disord. 2023; 27 (13) :1520-1531. doi: 10.1177/10870547231187146

Schmengler H, Peeters M, Stevens GWJM, Hartman CA, Oldehinkel AJ, Vollebergh WAM. ADHD Symptoms and Educational Level in Adolescents: The Role of the Family, Teachers, and Peers. Res Child Adolescent Psychopathol. 2023; 51 (7) :1051-1066. doi: 10.1007/s10802-023-01047-y