Back to School: Easing Your Transition as the ADHD Parent

Back to School: Easing Your Transition as the ADHD Parent

Here we are — back-to-school season creeping up again. And if you’re an ADHD parent, I know you’re probably in one of two camps. Either you’ve loved the freedom from all that school-day routine… or you’ve been craving the structure that summer just doesn’t give. Whichever way, school’s about to start, and that means the morning chaos, the school run, the packed lunches, and the extra executive function strain that comes with it.

And here’s what I really want you to remember: your transition matters too. Change of routine is tough on everyone, even tougher for our ADHD kids, and sometimes hardest of all for us - ADHD parents raising ADHD kids. So if you’re feeling anxious, a bit resentful, or just plain worn out by the thought of it all… you’re not alone. You’re normal.

Because of ADHD time blindness, we often can’t see clearly what the next week is going to bring. That’s why it helps to think ahead now and do yourself a favor: reduce extra scheduling at the weekends, leave room for your kids to decompress, and give yourself that same break. Building in extra space makes the transition gentler for everyone.

So let’s go back to basics:

• Sleep: Prioritize those early nights where you can. Even a couple of extra hours here and there will give your brain more fuel to manage the morning rush.

• Food: Don’t skip feeding yourself. A bit of protein in the morning (yes, even if it’s just a hard boiled egg and a scoop of peanut butter) can steady your blood sugar and keep your energy from crashing.

• Self-talk: Try gentler words with yourself. Simple phrases like “Change of routine is hard — and it’s okay if I wobble” or “This transition is hard for everyone, and doesn’t mean I’m failing” can really take the edge off.

You don’t need to control everything. Just focus on the simple things you can control - your sleep, your nutrition, and how you speak to yourself. That’s what steadies you for the bigger stuff.

I see you, I hear you. This journey is uniquely yours. Let’s make this season feel a little more doable , and maybe even enjoyable.

Coaching prompt: What’s one small thing you can take off your plate this week to give yourself - and your kids -a little more breathing space?