A new school term is an exciting time—new teachers, new lessons, and new opportunities to grow. But for children with ADHD, the social side of school can sometimes feel overwhelming. Making and maintaining friendships can be tricky, and as parents, we naturally want to help our children feel included, confident, and happy.
If your child struggles with social interactions, you’re not alone. Many parents of children with ADHD face the same challenges. The good news? With a little guidance, encouragement, and the right strategies, your child can develop strong, meaningful friendships that will help them thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Understanding the Challenges
Children with ADHD often have big hearts and boundless energy, but they may also struggle with:
Reading social cues – Picking up on facial expressions, tone of voice, and unspoken rules of conversation.
Impulsivity – Interrupting, speaking out of turn, or being overly enthusiastic without realising it.
Emotional regulation – Reacting strongly to situations, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.
Staying on topic – Conversations can take unexpected turns, making it difficult to follow the flow of a group discussion.
Recognising these challenges is the first step in helping your child navigate social situations with confidence and success.
Helping Your Child Build Friendships
1. Encourage Playdates and Social Time
Friendships need practice! If your child enjoys spending time with someone at school, arrange a casual meet-up outside the classroom. A structured activity (like baking, board games, or LEGO building) can help reduce social pressure and give them a shared focus.
2. Teach Social Skills Through Role-Playing
Social skills can be taught just like any other subject. Try role-playing different situations at home:
· Practise how to start a conversation (e.g., “Hi, I like your backpack! What’s your favourite colour?”).
· Act out taking turns and active listening in a game or discussion.
· Discuss what to do if a disagreement happens—learning how to handle conflict is an essential life skill.
3. Find the Right Social Settings
Not every child thrives in large, unstructured group settings. Encourage your child to join activities that align with their interests and strengths, such as:
· Art clubs (great for creative minds!)
· Sports teams (if they enjoy movement and teamwork)
· Drama groups (perfect for expressive and energetic children)
· Gaming clubs (a great way to connect through shared hobbies)
Finding “their people” can make a world of difference!
4. Support Emotional Regulation
Big emotions can be tough to manage, but simple strategies can help:
· Encourage calming techniques (deep breathing, counting to ten, or squeezing a stress ball).
· Help them express emotions through words rather than actions—journaling or drawing can be a great outlet.
· Remind them that everyone makes mistakes—learning from social hiccups is part of growing up!
5. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Social skills take time to develop. Every small step forward is a victory! Whether it’s a positive interaction at lunch, remembering to wait their turn, or handling a tricky situation with kindness and patience, acknowledge and celebrate their progress.
You’re Not Alone – Join We Talk Care
Navigating friendships and social challenges can be tough, but remember—you’re not alone on this journey. At We Talk Care, we understand the joys and challenges of raising a child with ADHD. Our nurturing, supportive community of parents and carers offers guidance, encouragement, and shared experiences to help your child thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
Join We Talk Care today and connect with parents who truly understand. Together, we can support, uplift, and empower our children to build strong, lasting friendships.
