Helping your child learn to take control of his/her Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) while increasing independence and responsibility for self-management is hugely important during middle and high school years. It is during these years students begin to learn skills that will help them be successful in college, on the job, and, in life. ADHD does not have to become an obstacle for your student and does not have to dictate how successful he/she can be, now or in the future! Here are a few simple tips you and your student may find helpful:
• Use a magnetic dry erase board in the locker. Use colored markers to jot down supplies needed for specific classes, things to take home at the end of the day, scheduling notes, test dates, etc.
• Use a color-coded system. Designate a different color for each class and use the same color in folders, ink colors, notebook tabs, etc. Put little colored stickers on the bound edge of text books to help visually associate these items in a locker.
• Use a calendar/agenda. Encourage the color coded system in the agenda too! Parents, check your student’s agenda each day and discuss assignments as they are given and completed.
• Stay in contact with each of your student’s teachers via email or phone. In many districts, parents can easily access their child’s grades, assignments, and attendance online. This tool is also helpful for case workers and advocates! Often times, you can even email your child’s teachers directly from the district’s online access site. It is recommended that you check grades at least once per week, so you can quickly address any issues as they come up, rather than waiting until mid-term or at each 9 week grade card. Letting missing assignments, late assignments, incomplete homework pile up will only frustrate and overwhelm the student who has ADHD. You, and your student, will want to work extra hard to avoid this and stay on top of things.
• Encourage your student to address issues and concerns with teachers, independently. For many young people, “addressing problems” with adults is difficult, however. This is especially true for youth who are/have been in foster care, abused, or neglected, and are used to adults making all the decisions for them. It’s a mixed issue of confidence and independence. Until now, parents, or other adults, have always spoken for them and asked all the questions. Help your student begin developing these skills on his own, but model for them how to talk to teachers and administrators. Role play the conversation with your youth before he goes to his teacher, so he can plan what he wants to say.
• Go with your student to talk to his teachers, as a supportive observer. Remember, your job is to help to open the door of communication and allow him to learn to communicate his needs. For example, you could say “Joseph wanted to chat with you about the test coming up next week.” Then, step-back and allow your student to talk to their teacher. As things wrap up, you can help to sum-up the conversation for your student by re-stating the plan the teacher and your child have developed. “Okay, let me make sure we’re all on the same page. Joseph is going to stay after school on Tuesday for tutoring and you’re going to give him a few extra practice pages that we can work on at home, to prepare for the test. Is that right?”
• Have a designated “quiet-zone” for homework & studying at home. This area should be free from the outside distractions of siblings, noise from the television or radio, dinner preparations, etc. Choose an area that can be used specifically for studying and other serious tasks, rather than the kitchen table, which can help your student get into “task mode” and focus his/her brain on the work in front of them, rather than trailing off to think about other things or activities. For some young people, having a drink and a healthy snack to munch on while studying may be helpful. Explore different textures and flavors (crunchy vs. creamy, salty vs. sweet vs. sour, etc) and be willing to offer a variety of these snacks throughout the week tokeep things fresh. Remember, some variation in the types of stimuli actually may have calming effects on the ADHD brain. Make note of the study time snacks, locations, and times of day that seem to match up well with your child’s temperament and tolerance for extended school work.
Owner/Editor - Chris Chmielewski