Tips for a happier start to the #new school year as a parent of a child with #ADHD

Starting back at school can be a big adjustment for any child, but for a young person with ADHD the impact can be more intense because of how their brain manages attention, organisation, and emotions —especially when moving into a new key stage or school—it can feel overwhelming. So……

There’s a lot you can do to help support your child start the school year with confidence, and resilience. That’s why we have created a mini guide with 10 useful tips. So, whether it’s about showing a little patience, re-establishing routines, or reminding the school about your child’s preferred learning strategies, the chances are your child will begin term happier and more productive.

1

Be positive, yet show empathy – A parent can have a huge influence on how their child perceives the challenges of the new school year. So, keep any concerns to yourself and help them approach school with some excitement of new beginnings and remind them to ask for help if they do not know what to do or where to be.

2

Establish routines early – Young people with ADHD benefit from structure, so provide clarity of what happens when. Beginning school-day routines (bedtimes, wakeups, breakfast, homework slots) before term starts will be help them settle back into a routine.

3

Do practice runs – Walk or drive the school route together, or practise packing bags and uniforms, so the first day feels familiar.

4

Prepare the environment – Organise school supplies in one spot at home and use labels or clear containers to make things easy to find.

5

Use visual supports – Timetables, colour-coded folders, or picture checklists can make mornings and after-school tasks clearer and less stressful.

6

Connect with the school – Share your child’s strengths, challenges and strategies that work with new teachers or support staff before term begins.

7

Break tasks into steps – Large transitions (new school, new classes) can feel overwhelming. Help your child by chunking information into smaller, manageable pieces.

8

Build in downtime after the school day – Schedule quiet time after school to help them decompress before homework or activities.

9

Keep calm and carry on – Provide them with the tools to cope and manage stress. Teaching children calming techniques—like breathing and mindfulness —to help them cope with the emotional stress of change.

10

Be there for your child – Most importantly, patience and reassurance go a long way. Let them know that you are there to support them and available to listen/talk things through.