Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder usually have more difficulties in school than other children. Children and teens with this disorder are hyperactive, impulsive and inattentive. If the child or teen uses his strengths and works with his parents and teachers, he can have a positive educational experience and be successful in school.
Communicate with School and Teachers
Parents of children with ADHD who are in elementary and middle school should let the school administrators know their child struggles with this disorder. They can inform the teachers and make sure the child receives accommodations for her disorder. For example, some schools will allow children with ADHD more time to take quizzes and tests and give them less homework than other students. Parents should get to know their child's teachers and ask them to provide feedback regularly. This can be as simple as putting a smiling or frowning sticker in the child's planner at the end of the day to indicate a good or bad day.
Teenagers have the ability to empower themselves by talking to their teachers. Parents should still become involved and get to know their child's teachers, but adolescents are capable of letting their teachers know what accommodations they need. Parents can advocate for their teens if they don't receive the services or accommodations they require.
Get Organized
Children and teens with ADHD have a difficult time getting and staying organized. Their backpacks might be stuffed with unfinished homework assignments, loose papers and important notes from the teacher. Parents can help their child stay organized to help the child academically. Parents should spend 10 to 20 minutes after their child has completed his homework helping the child get organized for the next day. This might entail the parent and child working together to put loose papers back in the child's binder, reorganizing the child's backpack and cleaning up the child's study area.
Decrease Distractibility
Staying focused is incredibly hard for children and teens who have ADHD. In an academic setting, concentration can mean the difference between succeeding and failing. Parents should recommend their child sits at the front of the class and away from friends and talkative students. At home, parents should make sure the child has a quiet place to study. The child shouldn't be expected to complete homework at the kitchen table while mom's making dinner, the dogs are barking and his siblings are playing board games.
Small Goals and Rewards
Children who have ADHD shouldn't try to tackle huge assignments at once. Instead, it would be much easier for the child to complete it in stages. For instance, if your child has one hour's worth of homework, have her do 30 minutes and then take a 10-minute break before doing the next 30 minutes. Help your child break large projects, such as a book report, into small tasks. Give your child praise, encouragement and rewards for completing tasks.
