Does my young child need therapy?
October 21, 2024
As a mental health therapist with years of experience working in schools, I’ve seen firsthand the
challenges that students with ADHD face—and the significant role parents can play in helping
their children succeed. ADHD doesn’t just impact a child’s ability to focus; it can affect their self-
esteem, relationships, and overall academic performance. Think about it, tasks like sitting still,
listening and maintaining focus, which are particularly hard for children with ADHD, are what
they’re expected to do all day long. Fortunately, as a parent, you are able to assist your child
overcome these hurdles. With strategies, support and consistency, you can help your child
reach their potential in school and beyond. Here are some actionable steps parents can take to
support their children with ADHD in school.
1. Foster Collaboration Between Home and School
Building a strong partnership with your child’s teachers and school staff is crucial. Schedule
regular meetings to discuss your child’s strengths, challenges, and progress. Share any
strategies that work well at home and ask the school to implement similar approaches where
possible. For example, some students benefit from preferential seating, extra time on tests, or
visual schedules to anticipate upcoming tasks. If your child has an Individualized Education
Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan, ensure you’re actively involved in its development and review.
These plans can provide tailored accommodations such as breaks during lessons or alternative
ways to complete assignments.
2. Organization And Routine
Many students with ADHD thrive on structure. Establish consistent routines for homework,
meals, and bedtime to provide stability and make it easier for your child to focus and manage
their time effectively. Tools like color-coded folders, daily and/or weekly visual schedules (dry
erase boards are great for this), timers, and checklists can help them stay organized. Regularly
review and declutter school materials like backpacks. Keeping an extra set of textbooks at home
can prevent them from being forgotten at school for homework.
3. Real Life Experiences Over Virtual Ones
Limiting screen time and video games for children with ADHD can improve focus, reduce
impulsivity, and support emotional regulation. Excessive screen use, especially with fast-paced
games, can overstimulate the brain, making it harder for children to transition to tasks requiring
sustained attention. Parents can set clear, consistent screen time limits, such as 30-60 minutes
per day, and use parental controls to enforce them. Instead of screen time, encourage physical
activities like biking or sports, creative outlets such as drawing or music, and structured social
interactions like board games or playdates. Establishing a screen-free routine before bedtime
can also improve sleep quality, which is crucial for ADHD management.
4. Highlight The Positive
Children with ADHD often feel discouraged by academic struggles. At home, encourage a
growth mindset by celebrating effort over results and reframing mistakes as learning
opportunities. Use daily positive messages and praise specific behaviors, such as staying
organized or persisting with a challenging task. Making learning fun and engaging—even with
small games or creative activities—can further boost their confidence and motivation. And
celebrate – Make sure your child knows when a task is well done!
5. Teach Your Child To Be Their Own Advocate
Empower your child to communicate their needs to teachers. Teach them simple, respectful
ways to ask for help, such as saying, “I’m having trouble concentrating, can I take a quick
break?” Role-playing these scenarios at home can build their confidence and prepare them for
real-life situations. Self-advocacy is a vital skill that not only helps in the classroom but also
fosters independence and resilience for future challenges. If verbalizing their needs feels a little
awkward at first, that’s normal. Middle and high school aged students can learn to write effective
emails to their teachers – expressing their needs and providing teachers with insight into what’s
going on.
6. Professional Support Is Available
When challenges feel overwhelming, seeking support from a therapist or counselor can make a
significant difference. Professionals can help your child learn coping strategies, emotional
regulation techniques, and social skills tailored to their needs. Additionally, collaborating with
school staff ensures that strategies are consistently applied in both home and school
environments.
Final Thoughts
Supporting a child with ADHD in school is a team effort. By fostering strong partnerships with
educators, creating structured routines, encouraging a growth mindset, teaching self-advocacy,
and seeking professional support when needed, parents can empower their children to thrive
academically and emotionally. Remember, your advocacy and involvement are key to unlocking
your child’s full potential.
-MARNI MENDEZ, LPC
