6 weeks is a long time for a child with ADHD to fall out of routine. As much as they need the break from school, losing the structure they have whilst there can be so detrimental for them and their families.
For many ADHDers the break in routine changes their ability to regulate their emotions and cope each day with the change of pace.
Such a long break for them is often why many suffer with school refusal when it’s time to return to school and why they take a while to settle again. The summer break is a long one and ideally we would also take time off to be with them but that isn’t always possible. Our family has two working parents so there is a lot of time over that period where our boys don’t actually have a lot to do or look forward to.
Hubby had a few weeks off over Christmas and things were great but once both of us were back at work full time there wasn’t a whole lot for Leni to do other than technology so he has become very dysregulated, probably the worst I’ve seen him in a while.
He is loud, dismissive and in fight mode constantly and it’s taking its toll on him and everyone in the home. We try hard to keep a routine in the mornings and evenings but without one throughout the day it’s a lost cause.
Our summer nights are less Grease Lightning and more tears and meltdowns. For us it’s all about survival and hitting our pillow at night is a reward for getting through another day.
It’s not all bad and of course there have been some amazing moments but it has really tested us.
The long break, growth spurts and lack of routine are tough on everyone but the reality is they are toughest on Leni. I know it’s not his fault and I hope with all my heart that not every summer is like this one because it’s hard. I’m not getting any younger and I don’t want all of the time we have to be thwarted by this neurological disorder that he never asked for.
All I can do now is help him get through the last week of holidays and try as best I can to get him prepared for the start of school.
It’s easy to forget when your tired and in constant battle mode to be kind to yourself and others around you and it makes simple things for us parents like going to work even more difficult too because you spend half your time there thinking about the morning that was and the evening to come.
For many parents of children with ADHD summer isn’t just a holiday period it’s a long road back to routine and structure. We love summer as much as you but it comes with many challenges for us and our children that some may never understand and this one, well this one has been especially cruel.
Staying Focused 
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