The First Day of School Should NOT be an Aghhh Day, but rather, an Ah Day! (and the Days After as Well!)

We all remember how excited we were on the first day of school. Maybe it was just us girls, but I remember spending an inordinate amount of time trying to decide what to wear on that day. Also, should I get a haircut or would a newly trimmed head of hair look too contrived?

Then, something happened that was not so exciting: The reality sunk in all too soon that the reason that we attended school was not to build an active social life for us, but instead, to prepare us for our future, and that the amount of work that was required of us would grow exponentially, from grade to grade.

So how can children with ADHD manage the increasing amount of work that they are required to do? First of all, it would be a good idea if they could talk with someone knowledgeable about children with ADHD, before they even attempted to do their work for the school year. That conversation should be based on the following: When to start their work, the pace at which they should do their work, as well as how to meet a deadline. Second of all, they must divide the work into smaller tasks and complete the more difficult assignments first.

However, that being said, the most important issue that parents can talk to their children about concerning the first day of school, and more importantly, the new school year, is to try to start the year with a positive attitude. Additionally, it is imperative that parents discuss the value of effort as playing a vital role in achieving academically. Good effort and a positive attitude will in all likelihood result in a better understanding of their academic subjects, which will undoubtedly result in better grades as well.