Written by Laura Piuca Hinkes LCSW
One of the biggest challenges parents of ADHD children face is the homework dilemma. As a therapist I have often heard parents complain about their child’s disorganization with their schoolwork and the constant battle they face in just getting them to do the work. Here are some tips to insure you’ll have more productive homework sessions.
If your child is on medication make sure to schedule homework time before their meds run out. It will be difficult for them to focus and attend once their medication has worn off.
Look to see if you can get an extra set of schoolbooks to have at home. Essential if your child has a tendency to forget to bring books home. Also have extra folders that are colored to match the classroom system.
Pull together a phone list of classmates that your child can call if he/she didn’t get the assignments. Also some schools have an online system that will show assignments.
Use a large calendar to keep track of projects and homework. Color code for each subject. For bigger projects break the work down into smaller tasks and indicate what will be done each day on the calendar.
ADHD children need structure. They most likely will not voluntarily sit down to do homework. Establish routine and expectations such as no video games or TV till after homework is done. This way they will be motivated to complete homework to get the reward.
Your child should have a neat and uncluttered area to do their homework. A parent should be close by to supervise and keep them on task.
Use a timer to help them with time management. Allowing them to take brief frequent breaks rewards them for their efforts so far and helps them to not get overwhelmed with the amount of work they have.
Some ADHD children can focus better when they can be active or fidget. Try letting them stand at the table or sit on an exercise ball. Chewing gum or squeezing a stress ball may also be helpful.
Once homework is done have your child put it away in the appropriate folders or notebooks and pack their backpack right away. You don’t want to be scrabbling in the morning to find everything your child needs to bring to school.
If the amount of homework your child has is overwhelming talk with the school about making accommodations that will decrease the amount of homework. Schools will do this especially if your child has an IEP or 504 Plan.
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