Conquer the New School Year 📚

It’s that time of year again, back-to-school madness! Whether you’re sending them off or you’re in the position yourself, there’s always a mix of excitement and anxiety in the air. While we all love the idea of a fresh start, it definitely comes with its stressors, especially for those dealing with ADHD and executive functioning challenges. But don’t worry; I’ve got some tips to help you and your family set up for a successful year ahead.

Starting Strong in High School

From my years of academic life coaching, I’ve seen how easy it is for students to set the syllabus aside after that first day of school. But let me tell you, that syllabus is a goldmine! I always recommend going over the syllabus in detail, highlighting important dates, and understanding the grading structure. For instance, if a teacher is strict about attendance or really values class participation, that’s something you want to know early on. And don’t just stop at highlighting—copy that syllabus into a digital folder, add notes, and save it in a safe, easily accessible place. That way, when you need to reference office hours or assignment deadlines, it’s all at your fingertips. Trust me, this small step can save a lot of stress later on. This applies to college as well!

College: A New Level of Independence

Now, for those heading off to college, the game changes a bit. Without mom or dad to wake you up or remind you about deadlines, it’s all on you to create your own structure. One thing I suggest is doubling up on alarms—use your phone, but also get a physical alarm clock, preferably one that forces you to get out of bed to turn it off. I know it sounds old school, but it works! The goal here is to build habits that promote independence, so parents, resist the urge to call in as their personal alarm. Let them figure it out, even if it means a few rough mornings. 

Organization and Preparation: Key to Success

Whether in high school or college, organization is key. Make sure your folders are labeled, notebooks are dedicated to specific subjects, and you’re not just tossing everything into one giant pile. Color coding can be your best friend here. Also, make it a habit to clean out your physical and digital spaces regularly. Clutter can be overwhelming, especially for those with ADHD.

Planning ahead is another big one. Whether it’s extracurriculars, sports, or just getting from class to class, having a realistic schedule with buffers built in for travel, prep time, or just a breather can make all the difference. You don’t want to feel like you’re constantly behind because the schedule was unrealistic from the start.

Embrace the Classroom Dynamic

It’s easy to get frustrated with a boring teacher or a class setup that’s not ideal, but here’s the thing—resistance only makes it harder on you. Instead of blaming the teacher or the system, focus on mastering the dynamics in front of you. Maybe that means getting extra sleep before a particularly dull class or committing to study more on your own. The key is to adapt and make the best of it. This kind of mindset not only helps in school but sets you up for success later in life when you’re navigating the workplace.

Study and Work Times: Building Self-Discipline

Creating structured study and work times is crucial. Start small if you need to—maybe 30 minutes a day and gradually build up. The important thing is consistency. You want to see progress and feel successful in your efforts. If things aren’t working, check in with yourself and adjust. Maybe the time of day isn’t right, or you’re trying to do too much at once. It’s all about finding what works for you and sticking to it.

And hey, don’t forget to regularly check in on grades. It’s easy to get complacent, but making it a habit to review how you’re doing can help you catch any issues early on. Early intervention can be a game changer.

So, here’s to a fresh start, new opportunities, and showing up as your best self. Feel free to reach out with any questions. I’m here in your corner.