Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can cause a child to feel frustrated and ultimately hate going to school because of the challenges involved. There are ways in which you, the parent, can help acclimate your child into classroom activities.

If your child is entering school for the first time, it is imperative that you make sure the school is able to handle a child with ADHD, or at least has the supports in place to support your child with ADHD. You can find out this information by calling the school directly, or by visiting the school and requesting to observe the classroom setting and programs. There are laws in place that schools have to abide by when a child has a disability such as ADHD, find out what these laws are to be better prepared.

Once you have found an appropriate school, it is time to set up a meeting with your child's teachers to discuss your child's strengths and weaknesses and let them know what they should expect from your child and vice versa. Each child diagnosed with ADHD presents differently and this needs to be relayed to the teacher. She may think it's okay to treat all of the kids the same way, when in reality, each child with ADHD reacts differently, what works for one child may not for the other.

If the teacher hasn't had a child with ADHD you could provide some information about the disorder for the teacher to get a better understanding of your child. You could also let them know about certain things your child does, such as outbursts or not listening, this could better prepare the teacher to be able handle the situation when it comes up.

When the teacher is educated and made aware, the more understanding she/he will be with your child. Make it a point to check in with her on either a daily basis at first, or weekly basis over time to see how your child is doing.

A school structure has a way of teaching the child organizational skills as well. Children with ADHD have difficulty with remaining organized so helping your child organize their books and schoolwork will better prepare them while in class. Some parents of ADHD children devise a chart or a sticker system to label things in order of which their child will need them to help them be organized at school.

Another difficulty, which can be difficult with an ADHD child, is the transitioning from class to class. It can confuse them and agitate them from the constant change. If the child has made a friend in school, see if it is possible for them to be paired with said friend to go from class to class.

The last and most important thing is to be sure the child isn't treated differently in front of the other children. This can be quite damaging to a child's self-esteem whether they have ADHD or not. If they are singled out, that makes them the center of attention, which children with ADHD do not do well with. Have the teacher either talk to the child privately or develop a way in which they can warn the child without calling too much attention to them.

Having a child with ADHD in school is a challenge for sure, but with the proper tools and communication with the school system it doesn't have to be traumatic for you or the child. Take the time to relay your concerns and prepare your child as much as possible for the experience. If your child is still struggling in the educational environment, then requesting the school to evaluate your child for eligibility under IDEA would be the next step. If your child qualifies the school can then offer additional supports and services specific to your child's needs in order to be successful at school.