Receiving a report card can be a mixed bag of emotions for any parent. For some parents of children with ADHD, it can sometimes feel like an extra layer of stress when grades are not as expected.
Here's a breakdown of how to approach challenging grades and school performance:
1. Understand the "Why"
ADHD Challenges:
Inattention: Difficulty focusing, easily distracted, problems with sustained attention.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity: Fidgeting, restlessness, difficulty waiting their turn, blurting out answers.
Executive Functioning: Issues with planning, organization, time management, working memory.
Academic Impact: These challenges can significantly impact academic performance in various ways:
Difficulty completing assignments: Procrastination, losing assignments, forgetting due dates.
Problems with organization and note-taking: Difficulty keeping track of materials, messy notebooks.
Challenges with classroom behavior: Disruptions, difficulty following instructions.
Difficulties with reading comprehension and writing: Problems with processing information and expressing thoughts.
2. Open and Honest Communication
Talk to Your Child:
Listen actively: Avoid immediate criticism or blame. Try to understand their perspective.
Focus on effort and progress: Acknowledge their strengths and areas where they've shown improvement.
Set realistic goals together: Break down larger assignments into smaller, more manageable steps.
Teacher-Parent Collaboration:
Schedule a meeting: Discuss specific concerns and areas for improvement.
Share information about ADHD: Educate the teacher about the specific challenges your child faces.
Collaborate on strategies: Work together to develop and implement effective classroom accommodations and support.
3. Strategies for Home Support
Create a Structured Environment:
Dedicated study space: Minimize distractions (TV, phones).
Visual schedules and checklists: Help with organization and task management.
Break down assignments: Chunk large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
Use timers and visual cues: Help with time management and focus.
Address Executive Functioning Challenges:
Organizational tools: Planners, color-coded folders, digital organizers.
Mnemonics and memory aids: Songs, rhymes, flashcards.
Teach study skills: Note-taking strategies, summarizing, highlighting.
Promote Self-Advocacy:
Encourage your child to ask for help when needed.
Teach them how to communicate their needs to teachers.
4. Seek Professional Support
Educational Evaluation: A comprehensive evaluation can identify specific learning needs and recommend appropriate interventions.
ADHD Coaching: A coach can provide guidance and support to both you and your child in developing effective coping strategies.
Therapy: Therapy can help address emotional and behavioral challenges related to ADHD.
5. Remember Self-Care
Parenting with ADHD can be challenging. It's crucial to prioritize your own mental and emotional well-being.
Seek support from other parents: Connect with other families facing similar challenges.
Practice self-compassion: Acknowledge your efforts and celebrate your successes.
By understanding your child's unique needs and working collaboratively with educators and other professionals, you can help them navigate academic challenges and thrive in school.
Are you interested in working with Unlockt? Hear from a parent currently in our program about the impact we've had on their family.
"Unlockt has been a game changer for our family. The parent coaching sessions with Eva are absolutely amazing and provide incredible insight that’s valuable for any parent—not just those with children navigating ADHD or neurodivergence. Eva’s expertise and warmth make every session something we truly look forward to.
Our daughter especially loves the Brain Arcade—she feels like she’s getting her beloved screen time, but she’s actually learning so much in the process. The technology they use is incredible, and it’s just so great to see her so engaged and excited.
The reward system they’ve implemented throughout class is so fun for the kids where they can earn tickets and chose to save them up or cash them in is so smart, and we’ve seen such positive changes. She’s even picked up some excellent relaxation techniques that help her manage feelings of overwhelm with confidence. Unlockt isn’t just a resource—it’s a blessing for the whole family!"