ADHD And Your Homeschool: An Overview - Raising Lifelong Learners

This series is all about homeschooling a child with ADHD. Today, we kick it off with an overview of ADHD, and how it impacts your child and your homeschool.

If you think your child fits the characteristics of ADHD, with or without a diagnosis, it is beneficial to learn as much as you can about it and understand what strategies will help your child..

What Does ADHD Really Look Like In Our Children?

ADHD can include a wide variety of behaviors. These often include:

Frequently interrupting in conversations
Lack of focus (especially in things they are not interested in)
Perseveration on specific topics of intense interest
Trouble waiting their turn
Difficulty reading social cues
Trouble with emotional regulation and intensity
Fidgeting
Rigid thinking
Difficulty following through on projects
Daydreaming
Disorganized
Lack of follow-through
Struggles in executive function skills
Not always hyperactive! Can also present as being inattentive.
Forgetful

The Benefits Of Homeschooling A Child With ADHD

In looking at the above list, it comes as no surprise that a typical school environment can be a challenge for many children with ADHD. In fact, one of the most obvious benefits of homeschooling a child with ADHD is that it alleviate the stressors of being in a room with other people, noise levels, and distractions all day long.

Not being able to move as needed can impede a child with ADHD’s ability to learn. Homeschool eliminates this as well, as movement is something that can not only be tolerated, but used as a part of learning. At home, in a comfortable safe setting, our kids are often better able to learn.

Homeschooling gives you a front row seat to your child – their successes and their challenges. It allows you to see firsthand how they learn and adapt accordingly. One of the greatest benefits of homeschooling a child with ADHD is the ability to keep things novel and interesting.

Because you are able to eliminate the negative feedback that often defines a child with ADHD’s school experience, homeschooling helps to protect self-image and encourages confidence.

The Challenges Of Homeschooling A Child With ADHD

There is no doubt that homeschooling a child with ADHD can be exhausting. It’s physically and mentally demanding even for the most motivated parent.
In addition, their behaviors often trigger our own issues and challenges. Often children with ADHD seek novelty by trying to get a rise out of others.

While these may be the challenges, the rewards of homeschooling your child with ADHD are so much greater.

Raising Lifelong Learners Episode 146: Tips For Homeschooling Your Child With ADHD

In this episode, we kick off our new series all about homeschooling with ADHD. Today, our focus is an overview of ADHD, and how it impacts your child and your homeschool. Colleen also shares tips for successfully homeschooling your child with ADHD.

Links And Resources From Today’s Show:

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