You are not alone. None of us are prepared to deal with the dramatic changes the pandemic brings to almost all aspects of our lives and that of our families and children.

 

We rely on school to provide an adequate learning environment that meets the needs of our children with special needs. Now, our children attend school at home and we don’t have access to that support. It is expected and normal to feel lost, confused and stressed. Expectations are unclear and help is not at hand.

   

Stress is often a part of everyday life especially parenting a child in an ever changing environment. Parenting a child with ADHD adds to that stress. On top of that, in fact 70 percent of people report  increased stress during the pandemic. 

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Students with ADHD benefit from the structure of the in-school day as well as from other strategies like more 1:1 attention, checking work, helping with organization and providing frequent feedback. During the pandemic and remote learning - these strategies have all but disappeared. 

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You may  also find yourselves working at home and having to navigate getting your own work done as well as helping your children with their studies throughout the day. 

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And then at the end of your work day and your child’s school day, you have to jump into keeping your kids fed, positively engaged and even tempered until everyone finally collapses in bed at night.

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This is understandably overwhelming and exhausting.

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You are not alone!

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Still, we want you to know that the staff at PCS are always here for you. 

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We would be happy to set up a 1-time consult to help you with strategies for supporting your child with ADHD during distance learning or supporting you while you manage all the ADHD symptoms from home. Please call 763-559-7050 or email info@pcsmn.com to schedule an appointment. 

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Here are some tips for reducing stress right now: 

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1. Take care of yourself. Yes. Make time for you! Take time to go for a walk, talk with a friend, read a book, or other calming activities that work for you. It is hard to take care of others when you’re not taking care of yourself.

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1. Do the best you can.  Acknowledge that creating structure right now is a challenge that may end in disaster if you expect perfection. Instead, know that it is difficult and try your best --in other words--“pick your battles”

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1. Focus on something easy and simple to implement such as a regular breakfast or bedtime routine. 

 

1. Recognize that the school’s decisions are out of your control. Verbalize your support of school’s decision to your children. Teach them how you are going to make the best out of the situation.  For example, say aloud “I wish you could be in school in person, but know school made the best decision given the current pandemic. Since that is not an option, we are going to make a plan to help you do your best at home.”

 

1. Communicate with teachers.  Let your child’s teacher know how things are going at home and see how they can support you through the distance learning model. 

Resources

 

Stress Management during a Pandemic

 

Managing attention during online school

 

ADHD Guide to Distance Learning

 

11 Ways to Support Learning at Home

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5 Ways to Support Kids with ADHD During Remote Learning

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Learn Now! Engage in online Learning