Becca is back today sharing her expertise on something that I know is weighing on a lot of us: back to school! As a mom of two I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to ease into the school year. My oldest is going into 10th and my youngest into 7th, and I still feel like it’s a whirlwind this time of year trying to prepare. Becca’s insights will be especially helpful if you’re looking for practical and compassionate back to school tips for parents to help make the transition easier for your kids and your family.
Becca shares her expert advice on creating a balanced and manageable routine as your family prepares for the new school year. If your child struggles with executive function challenges or ADHD, Becca offers valuable strategies that will make this back-to-school season smoother and less stressful. Read on to discover back to school tips for parents and learn how ADHD executive function coaching can support your child’s success!
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Summer flew by and here we are in August! If you are anything like me, turning the calendar into August brings ALL THE FEELINGS! My youngest is starting kindergarten this year, my daughter is going into third grade, and my husband & I are starting our twelfth year teaching middle school! These are my top tips for easing into the school year and keeping it manageable for you and your family.
Routine.
Our brains thrive on routine. The more we can predict what is coming, the less our brains have to worry about and can focus on the change. Sit down with your family and discuss morning and evening routines. What needs to be accomplished and by what time? Start from the time you need to leave your house in the morning or bedtime at night, and work backwards from there to set your routine.
For children with ADHD, establishing a routine can be especially beneficial. That’s where ADHD executive function coaching can make a big difference. Coaches can help kids and parents develop strategies that are structured but flexible, making transitions smoother and less stressful.
Visualize.
Executive function challenges often make it hard to hold time in our minds. Calendars, extra-curricular schedules, or even your weekly meal plan on the fridge can help the youngest kids and teens see and know what is coming. For younger kids, simple picture-based visuals can be helpful to ease the mind with a big change. For pre-teens and teens, involve them in building their own weekly or daily planner so they begin ownership of their schedule and commitments.
For families looking for ADHD coaching in Northern Virginia, many coaches specialize in creating these visual systems for better time management. By making it easier for children to visualize their day, they gain a better understanding of how to balance their time effectively.
Sleep.
Sleep is the foundation of emotional regulation, attention, memory, and learning; all skills we need at work and school. Begin shifting bedtime and wake-up times gradually, 15 minutes earlier every few days until you’re on the school schedule. This gives the body and brain time to adjust.
Sleep challenges can often be exacerbated by ADHD, making it harder to establish a consistent sleep routine. If you’re finding sleep to be a struggle, ADHD executive function coaching may help by offering targeted strategies to improve sleep hygiene and establish a consistent bedtime routine, setting your child up for success when school begins.
Feel All the Feelings.
Whether it’s your kindergartener feeling nervous for their first day, your teen who’s dreading school and all that comes with it, or a parent juggling logistics for your kids — it’s okay to feel all the feelings. Talk openly about the transition and normalize worry, excitement, overwhelm, or sadness about summer ending and school beginning. These feelings are all part of the process. The more you normalize these feelings about the change for your children, the more resilient your child will become when facing adversity.
ADHD coaching in Northern Virginia can also provide helpful tools to deal with these emotions, teaching children how to regulate their emotions and how to manage their feelings of anxiety or overwhelm when it comes to school transitions.
This season of transition is a big one, and it doesn’t have to be perfect to be successful. Ease in. Be kind to yourself. Keep your expectations realistic and your routines flexible.
And remember, progress over perfection — for your child and for you.
You’ve got this!
Back To School Tips for Parents: An Executive Function/ADHD Coach’s Guide for Easing into the Academic Year
Becca Kiernan is an Executive Function Coach with a Master’s degree from West Virginia University in Elementary Education, specializing in Special Education. She is a VA-licensed teacher for Elementary (K-6) and Special Education (K-12) with over a decade of experience. Becca has taught reading, math, and study/organizational skills in special education settings within public schools, and has spent the last three years as an Executive Function Coach. Becca started her executive function coaching business in 2022 and uses a neurodivergent-affirming, strengths-based approach to coaching.
Her passion for working with the neurodivergent community was sparked by growing up with two cousins with Down Syndrome. Their influence showed her the transformative power of compassionate teaching. Her dedication to making a difference is reflected in her coaching practice, rooted in neuroscience and tailored to her students’ unique needs.
In her free time, Becca enjoys biking, hiking local trails, and listening to live music with her family, which includes her two children in second grade and preschool. In 2023, her husband miraculously survived a ruptured brain aneurysm. His recovery deepened her understanding of the brain and enriched her coaching perspective. Becca’s journey continues to inspire her work, helping others achieve their goals and thrive.
