Weekly Wins 33: Navigating Term 3: Top 10 Strategies for Parents

Navigating Term 3: Top 10 Strategies for Parents

Here in Queensland, kids go back to school this week! My kids have had an awesome break from school, I’ve had an awesome break and stretched in terms of how far my kids will push their luck! HAHA! In all seriousness, it’s been a really nice holiday, but they (& I) are craving routine again. I love the start of a new term. An opportunity to start new routines, OR restart them, OR keep on keeping on with ones that do work. Either way, it’s an opportunity for change and challenges for both parents and children, especially if your child has ADHD or Autism. However, with careful planning and organisation, it can be a smooth and successful transition. Here are 10 things parents can do to ensure a smooth school term:

1. Establish a Routine:
Children with ADHD and autism thrive on consistency. Let me be more specific, they can HATE when you are establishing the routine, but they can like to know their limits, their boundaries and they can stop pushing them. Establish a predictable daily routine that includes set times for waking up, eating meals, doing homework, and going to bed. Visual schedules and checklists can be particularly helpful for children who benefit from visual cues.

2. Organise School Supplies:
Where is my reading folder?! How many times have you heard this? Make sure your child has all the necessary school supplies before the term begins. This includes basics like notebooks, pencils, and folders, as well as any specific items required by their teachers. For children with ADHD or autism, consider using colour-coded folders and labels to help them keep track of their materials.

3. Create a Homework Station:
Designate a quiet, well-lit area in your home where your child can focus on homework and study. For children with ADHD, minimise distractions by using noise-cancelling headphones or a white noise machine. Sensory-friendly furniture or fidget tools can help children with autism stay calm and focused.

4. Set Goals:
Sit down with your child and discuss their goals for the term. Break down these goals into smaller, manageable steps to make them more achievable. Celebrate small successes along the way to keep your child motivated and engaged. These goals might be academic, they might be social, they might be individual, whatever the goal is, ensure it’s one THEY want to achieve, or you’ll be trying to ice skate up a hill for the term. Also, if they might be SIMPLE, like “eat 2 pieces of fruit a day”. If you’ve not done goal setting before, don’t start with “Get an A in Maths”… Start with something small AND achievable to boost self confidence and self esteem in the goal setting arena!

5. Establish Communication with Teachers:
Build a positive relationship with your child's teachers by attending parent-teacher meetings and staying in regular contact. Even if you’ve had a shocker of a relationship in the past, start afresh! Share information about your child's specific needs, strengths, and any accommodations that have been effective in the past. Regular updates can help you support your child's progress at home.

6. Promote a Healthy Lifestyle:
Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats nutritious meals, and stays physically active. For children with ADHD, regular physical activity can help manage symptoms. For children with autism, consider sensory-friendly activities that they enjoy. Consistent sleep routines are particularly important for both ADHD and autism.

7. Encourage Good Study Habits:
Teach your child effective study habits, such as breaking down tasks into manageable chunks, using timers for focused work sessions, and taking regular breaks. Visual aids, like planners or calendars, can help children with ADHD and autism keep track of assignments and deadlines. If your child doesn’t have formal study to complete, start with having a family reading time, where adults and children sit down and read or do games or something that is scheduled in that you do together to keep momentum. Then as time changes and the inevitable homework comes into play, they are already accustomed to sitting and doing quiet work.

8. Foster Social Skills:
Encourage your child to build positive relationships with their peers. For children with autism, social skills training or role-playing scenarios can be helpful. For children with ADHD, structured playdates or group activities with clear rules can facilitate social interactions. Teach your child how to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts.

9. Stay Informed and Involved:
Keep up to date with school events, policies, and your child's progress. Participate in school activities, volunteer if possible, and show your child that you value their education. Being involved in the school community can also help you stay informed about any potential issues and how to address them.

10. Provide Emotional Support:
Be there for your child emotionally. Listen to their concerns, celebrate their successes, and offer reassurance during challenging times. Children with ADHD and autism may need additional emotional support to navigate the ups and downs of the school term. Building a strong emotional foundation helps your child develop resilience and confidence. Building time into you week to allow for the extra emotional support that is required will also alleviate the sudden extra stress/pressure that is placed on you too to be able to reassure and to be there for your children emotionally.

By implementing even one of these strategies, parents can create a more supportive and structured environment that promotes academic success and emotional well-being for children with ADHD and autism. A smooth school term not only benefits your child's education but also contributes to a harmonious and stress-free home life. WOOHOO!!