Tips for working with teachers.

One of the biggest complaints I hear from parents is that the teachers of their children with ADHD do not understand their child. This is probably true. Whilst teachers are taught about ADHD and associated disorders, it is usually from an education point of view and developing appropriate learning outcomes for these children. There is often little training or understanding of why the behaviours manifest the way they do or how to minimise these behaviours. This is unfortunate, as our teachers by and large are doing an amazing job and have to be mindful of the other children in the class as well.

Children who also have Autism Spectrum Disorders can find school almost impossible. There simply is not enough support for all the children who need it. Having said that, I believe it's important to focus on what we do have and the things we can do to improve the situation faced by these children. I would personally love to see all teachers taught more about ADHD and how to help these children in the class room as well as with their academic learning. But we as parents also have a responsibility to work closely with the teachers and to encourage the teachers to listen to what parents have to say.

I believe the following tips can be helpful. They may not entirely solve the problem, but they may be able to improve the outcomes for our children,

1. Always maintain positive communication with the teacher. Telling the teacher how to do her role is not going to be helpful, but supporting the teacher in her role whilst advocating for your child will bring better results.

2. Always show respect towards your child's teacher even if you don't think she has earnt it. We want our children to show respect to teachers and we must set the example for them. Never speak negatively about the teacher in front of your child. (Just as you should never speak negatively to the teacher about your child in front of the child). 

3. Encourage your child to show respect to the teacher even if the child does not think the teacher deserves it. Also assure your child if something has gone wrong that you will sort it out with the teacher and explain that teachers make mistakes sometime.

4. Work with the teacher wherever possible on joint outcomes. What are you expecting from your child, and from the teacher? Be realistic, teachers are not superhuman.

5. What behaviour do you want your child to exhibit. Develop a strategy, that begins with where the child is at now, and work towards where you want your child to be. Parents and teachers often do not carry out the strategies long enough. Remember that results are rarely immediate and may take time. Do not give up on the startegy just because your child has not changed their behaviour after the first week or even the first month. Strategies sometimes take several years to have a full effect. A good strategy for younger children is a daily chart that shows what happens during the day so they know what will be next. This can be helpful for all children, not just children with ADHD.

6. Encourage your teachers to work with you on these strategies, but don't attack them if they don't. Keep the communication between parents and teachers open and positive.

7. Teach your child some strategies to help them deal with their own frustrations, such as deep breathing, etc. Know what calms your child down and work with the child and your teacher to use thses strategies at school.

8. Wherever possible, make learning fun, so that the child understands that learning is helpful. Understand the way your child learns and work with the teachers to use this strength wherever possible.

Most teachers want the best outcomes for their students. After all, good outcomes are as positive for the teachers as they are for children. Hopefully as you apply tips and strategies, you will be able to work with the teachers to get the best possible outcomes for your child.

If you have other great ideas and strategies. Send them through to jill@citylife.org.au as I'm always keen for further input.