Online School with ADHD: How to Maximize Success and Minimize Stress

We all need some extra parent support right now to master the new tasks coming our way.  Distance learning is here to stay.  Fortunately, our child therapists, ADHD specialists, and family therapists have the parenting help you need!

We’ve gathered our best tips for a successful school year in 2020.  Here are our step by step instructions for online school success.

From our family therapists

• Start strong

  Block some time in your schedule to follow up with your child.  Especially in the first few weeks.   When it’s clear that the routine is here to stay, you’ll get less resistance.

  Take your break times during your child’s breaks if you can.   Be sure to do something that feels more like fun than work for you both. This keeps you connected, which keeps your child willing to do what you ask.

• Schedule consistent family time

  What is this doing on a list about school?   Kids tolerate math to get to recess.   They can handle time apart because they KNOW together time is coming.

  Set daily and weekly family time.  Make it consistent.  And give your full attention during those times.

  Family time can be chore time, too.  Team up to cook, clean, or change the sheets.  And watch a movie or play a game together as soon as it’s done.

From our child therapists

• Use a schedule

  Teachers do this every day.   Why?   It gets kids mentally ready for each class.  And they learn better when the brain’s on board.

  Post your child’s schedule where he can see it.  Include the fun time/free time.   Change it when the schedule changes.

• Set expectations 

  Tell your child clearly what to do during each part of the day.   Keep it as simple as possible.

  For math:  Watch the teacher.  Do the work.  Ask the teacher for help if you get stuck.

  For break time:  Stretch your body.   Grab a snack if you need one.   Move (dance, bounce, or wiggle).

  For recess: Play. Laugh. Enjoy!

From our ADHD specialists

These tips are important for ALL kids, not just those with ADHD.

• Set up a classroom environment at home

  What is the best therapy for ADHD?   Behavioral therapy with a playful twist.  But the right learning environment is just as important!

  A good learning environment for children with ADHD lets them move.  It uses all the senses.  And it strengthens executive function.

  Use the same space for learning every day. Remove favorite toys and electronics that distract. Keep the ones that work as tools or fidgets.

• Use visual cues 

  Help your child create pictures or symbols for the expected tasks.  Add them to each part of the schedule.   This helps make the plan their own, and adds a visual prompt.

  For example, eyes mean it’s time to watch.  A pencil means work.  A question mark reminds your child to ask.

• Preview the day (for executive function and to manage anxiety)

  Take a moment in the morning to look over the schedule.   Ask what your child is looking forward to.  And what might she need help with?

• Review the day (for executive function and self esteem)

  What was the most fun part of today? When did you feel proud of yourself? Was there anything you wished I could see?

  What were the hard parts of the day?  What do you need my help with tonight?  What would you like to do better tomorrow?

From our parent support specialists

But how do I work and help my child with online school?!  

• Automate what you can

  Use calendar reminders, Alexa, or other technology to prompt your child at transition times.  These can also be great tools for the morning routine!  “Alexa, set reminder to brush teeth for 7:00a.m. daily.”

• Plan your help time

  Have specific times when you know you can pop in to help your child?   Put those on the schedule too!  It will help them save their questions for the right time.

  Keep a notepad or whiteboard handy for kids who can write their questions.  Or offer a sticker or magnet they can put on the schedule at times when they needed your help.

If you’re always together… and it doesn’t feel better!

At Better Together Family Therapy we help you make your family life work for you.  This has been especially important during COVID-19.  Families are balancing work schedules without child care.  Or they’re at home with everyone working online. 

This time can really bring out your strengths.  And it can make the struggles extra problematic.  We’re happy to help you find what works best for your family!   Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn or sign up for our newsletter to see all of the posts in our Success in Online School series.

Want more personalized help?  Give us a call at 240-242-5185 to schedule a free 15 minute consult!