CBH Interim Senior Medical Director Dr. Everett Shares 12 Tips to Help Children and Teens with ADHD Succeed at School

In recognition of ADHD Awareness Month, Mia Everett, MD, Interim Senior Medical Director at CBH, shares 12 tips to help parents position their children and teens with ADHD for continued success during the school year.

As the season transitions from summer to fall, the 2024-2025 school year is well underway. Parents and children often hope that the new school year will bring success and well-being. Common goals for the school year include good relationships with teachers and peers, making friends, staying safe, earning good grades, learning new skills, and participating in extra-curricular activities. Caregivers can support children and teens in reaching these goals by supporting their physical, emotional, behavioral, and mental health. Children with learning and behavioral challenges may need extra support on the path to success.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common health condition that begins during childhood and can last until adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, sitting still, finishing schoolwork, making friends, following instructions, and completing tasks. Physicians, including pediatricians and psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals, can help to diagnose and treat ADHD. Treating ADHD helps children achieve their full potential, both now and in the future. Treatment for ADHD may include medications, behavior support, and organizational skills training.

Children and teens with ADHD may also benefit from additional supports in school. Parents are their children’s best advocates; it is important that your voice is heard in the school and health care settings regarding your child’s needs.

The following tips and tools have been shown to help children and teens with ADHD succeed in the home, school, and community:

• Help your child to eat a healthy diet and to sleep well at night.
• Limit screen time to less than two hours per day.
• If your child is prescribed ADHD medications, help them to take their medication on a regular schedule as instructed by their doctor.
• Attend regular appointments with your child’s doctor and/or therapist to discuss treatment progress, ask questions, and share concerns.
• Ensure your child’s ADHD treatment is a shared process between your child, the provider, and yourself.
• Establish good communication with your child’s teacher.
• Help your child manage their time with daily schedules that are easy to see and follow.
• Help your child organize their schoolwork and daily essentials such as clothes and school supplies.
• Reduce distractions in the home environment during activities that require focus.
• Give your child praise and encouragement for their efforts and successes.
• Help your child to feel safe sharing their thoughts and feelings.
• Help your child to relax and find activities they enjoy.

More information about helping your child or teen with ADHD can be found on HealthyChildren.org, the American Academy of Pediatrics’ parenting website, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry’s website.

The information provided in this blog post is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice or treatment for a medical condition. Please consult your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.