Relationship First: A strong parent-child relationship is the foundation for helping children thrive. Build self-esteem, create a safe space at home and choose battles carefully. 

The Role of Neuroscience: ADHD brains have differences in dopamine regulation and executive functioning, making tasks like planning, focus and organization more difficult. 

Executive Function Growth: As children grow, parents can scaffold skills like planning, problem-solving, emotional regulation and independence through age-appropriate strategies. 

Screen and Dopamine Balance: Phones, games, and social media can over-activate the ADHD brain, making self-regulation harder. Replacing these “quick hits” with healthier rewards is key. 

Collaboration with Schools: Parents should partner actively with teachers, coach children to self-advocate, and seek resources like executive function coaches or learning centers. 

Parent Tips by Age Group 

Elementary School (Grades K–5) 

Focus: Building routines, attention, and foundational executive skills. 

Key Skills: 

Following two to three step instructions 
Learning to share, take turns and manage impulses 
Keeping track of belongings and schoolwork 
Beginning to take responsibility for tasks 

Parent Tips: 

Make routines VISIBLE and INTERACTIVE: 

Use picture charts or icons at child’s eye level. 
Color-code steps (e.g., yellow for morning routine, blue for bedtime). 
Set up stations for routines using painter’s tape or baskets. 
Use visual timers or music to signal transitions. 

Gamify tasks: Beat the clock, superhero missions or earning points/tokens. 

Consistent practice: Model routines and co-regulate during stressful moments. 

Encourage independence gradually: Praise effort over results. 

Simple tools: Whiteboards near the door, Alexa/Google reminders or watch alarms. 

Middle School (Grades 6–8) 

Focus: Increasing independence, flexible thinking and coping strategies. 

Key Skills: 

Sitting for longer periods and shifting between classes 
Planning ahead and problem-solving 
Navigating peer relationships and social media 
Managing more materials and assignments 

Parent Tips: 

Planner or digital calendar: Track assignments, activities and deadlines. 

Break down big projects: Use checklists or visual timelines. 

Homework strategies: 

Use timers for work/break cycles. 
Create a dedicated homework station. 
Encourage audiobooks, speech-to-text and Grammarly for writing. 

Encourage movement breaks to help focus. 

Teach organization skills: 

Daily backpack cleanouts 
Color-coded folders for each subject 

Peer support: Suggest study buddies or small group projects. 

Practice self-advocacy: Role-play conversations with teachers.

High School (Grades 9–12) 

Focus: Building long-term habits for independence and future readiness. 

Key Skills: 

Flexible thinking and adapting to new rules and schedules 
Managing long-term projects and group work 
Handling stress and setbacks in healthy ways 
Self-monitoring productivity and performance 
Developing practical life skills 

Parent Tips: 

Executive Function Support:

Visual reminders like colorful charts or photo checklists.
Use organizing apps (Todoist, Shovel, Notion).
Weekly backpack and digital folder cleanouts.
Morning, after-school, and evening anchor routines (screen-free wind-down).

Academic Tools:

Audiobooks and text-to-speech apps.
Interactive study platforms like Quizlet or Khan Academy.
Encourage teacher meetings and school resources like learning centers.

Self-awareness development:

Strength-based focus: identify verbal, visual, memory or processing strengths.
Journaling or digital note-taking for reflection.

Screen balance:

Short, structured tech breaks.
Replace high-dopamine screen time with movement, art or social play.

Collaborative problem solving: Work with your teen to set achievable goals.

Does your child with a learning difference need additional support? Reach out to Jewish Educational Services if they are in a Jewish day school or Macks Jewish Connection Network if they are in a public or private school.