Back-to-School Behavior Battles: 5 ADHD Hacks Teachers + Parents Can Use Right Away

It’s back-to-school season, which for many parents and teachers means the emails are rolling in about fidgeting, blurting, not finishing work, and rough afternoons. If you’re already bracing for a long year, breathe. In this episode of Raising ADHD, we share simple, proven strategies you can use tomorrow morning to make school days smoother at home and in the classroom.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• ✅ Start the day right: Use predictable routines and a simple, visual morning checklist (backpack, shoes, breakfast). Create a “launch pad” so everything’s in one spot.
• 🗣 Give clear, short instructions: One step at a time, minimal words. “Brush teeth.” “Open your book.” Clarity beats lectures, every time.
• 🔁 Build in movement breaks: Trampoline jumps at home, quick errands to another classroom, stand-and-share, or timed brain breaks to reset focus.
• 🌟 Catch them being good: Notice and name wins, “Thanks for getting started right away.” Positives replenish motivation and buffer constant redirection.
• 🏫 Create a home–school connection: Swap the smiley/frowny charts for “Two Glows and a Grow” (two positives + one focus area). You’re a team, not opponents.

Why this matters:

ADHD behavior isn’t about willpower, it’s about executive function. When you reduce novelty, add structure, and make steps smaller and clearer, kids can succeed. These strategies improve attention, behavior, and confidence,and they help every child in the classroom, not just ADHD kids.

Resources + Next Steps:

• Post a visual morning checklist near your launch pad.
• Try a timer anchor (e.g., “one Bluey episode” for breakfast) and set firm screen boundaries on school mornings.
• Add micro-movement breaks: 10 jumps, hallway errand, or a 60-second stand-and-stretch.
• Ask your teacher (or use at home) for a Two Glows + a Grow feedback routine.
• Subscribe to Raising ADHD so you don’t miss next week’s episode on medication: to medicate or not?