Back-2-School can be a challenging time for both parents and students. But for families living with ADHD it can be particularly difficult. One of the often overlooked facts about this is that it doesn’t go away after elementary, middle, or even high school. Families dealing with ADHD often battle Back-2-School challenges throughout their school career, even in college. What follows are 7 things that will help you survive Back-2-School season and even get ahead! (These are written for the parent, but can be very easily adapted for the student or even the teacher)

1. Plan for the first day of school. Start talking about it early. People living with ADHD function much better if they know what’s coming and there are no surprises.

2. Have positive conversations. Given the creative imaginations of people with ADHD, they can often envision some unbelievably bad first days of school. Keep things light-hearted and focused on the fun you’re having.

3. Encourage them and their ability to make friends. People with ADHD can sometimes have trouble in social situations and making/keeping friends. They often miss important social cues, making them appear bossy or insensitive to those who don’t understand them.

4. Have all supplies ready before the first day of school. Let the student get comfortable with the new supplies and become familiar with the organizational system they will use next year.

5. If possible, meet with the teacher before the start of the school year. This returns to calm the stress of points 1 and 3.

6. Remind them that they are smart! Students with ADHD can take so much flak from well-meaning teachers and stressed-out professors that they start to doubt themselves. Don’t let this happen. Encourage your sensitive student to excel and adopt her brain style!

7. Have fun! Keep conversations and preparations for the first day of school lively and proactive. Talk about it often. Plan clothing, breakfast and lunch, even what they will do at recess. The less they know, the more confident they will feel entering their new grade with new teachers and new friends.

With these tips, embrace the new school year. Sometimes we anticipate stress that we KNOW is coming and actually end up creating it! As parents, there are so many things we have to do and put up with, and staying calm and positive, even when our kids are getting nervous, is on that list. But I promise you it will make a difference.