When it comes to homework and concentration, even the most disciplined and motivated child might balk after sitting in school for most of the day. For kids with ADHD this often becomes a battle that can fray even a solid parent-child relationship. We have some strategies to help you cope with the challenge of helping your child with ADHD complete their assignments while keeping your bond intact.
Homework With ADHD– The Difficulties
The struggles with homework and ADHD start before your kids even get home from school. They have to HEAR what the teacher said, WRITE down the assignment, BRING it home, START working on it, COMPLETE it, PACK it back up, and then remember to hand it in the next day! In order to do their homework, your child needs to be motivated, able to manage their time and focus on the task at hand. They need to tune out any distractions and control the urge to get up and do something else.
These skills are known as executive functioning skills, which control one’s thoughts and behaviors, especially those related to focusing on and organizing tasks. Executive functioning is housed in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which matures slower in kids with ADHD than in neurotypical children. Homework assignments require planning and prioritizing, task initiation and organization, as well as working memory, mental flexibility, impulse control and emotional control.
With so many necessary skills involved, it’s no wonder that completing a homework assignment can become such a struggle for many kids with ADHD.
Strategies For Maintaining Focus and Attention With ADHD
How can we end the homework battles that may plague your home? Here are some strategies from occupational therapists.
- Plan Properly
Homework planning begins in school by writing down assignments. Make sure your child has a place to do this, either in a notebook or planner, and have a process for finding the right page easily, either with a bookmark or snipping off the corner of the page. Designate a specific folder for homework assignment sheets. This will save time when you don’t have to search for them later.
- Designate a specific spot for homework
Make it as distraction-free as you can, but also near a supervising adult in case your child needs assistance. Noise Reduction Headphones can help reduce auditory distractions. Though we are used to viewing the desk as the best place to do work, some kids do better with flexible seating, like a Cozy CanoeTM, or even lying on the floor.
- Have a daily homework routine
When your child comes home from school, have a plan for if they want to start right away or if they need a break first. Physical activity before homework can improve focus and concentration, but screen time typically detracts from it.
Let them know that your child needs extra help keeping track of assignments and ask them to double check that assignments are written down. Some teachers will send an email with all the homework assignments to the parents.
Success Tools and Techniques for ADHD-Friendly Homework
- Make your designated homework area sensory-friendly
Keep fidgets and putty in a box so that they are within easy reach, but not immediately distracting. Sensory seating cushions, like our Wiggle Cushion, provide kids with an outlet for movement while remaining seated at their workstation.
- Help your child get started
Start with time to organize loose papers and put them in the proper folders. Review the assignments with your kids and help them plan out the time each will take. A visual schedule on the Time Timer Dry Erase Board can keep them on track.
- Use timers
Work done in short spurts can be a more effective strategy for kids with ADHD. Visual timers let kids see how much time is remaining for each spurt, which can increase their motivation to complete the task in the time allotted. Remember to set the timer for breaks too! You can try the Pomodoro method, adjusting the length of each work session based on your child’s ability to focus. Offer active toys and tools to encourage them to move around during their breaks so that they are ready for the next work spurt
- Prepare Ahead
Mornings are often stressful and rushed, so make sure all homework papers are packed up the night before. It can be very distressing for a child who has done the assignment not to be able to find it at school the next day. Make sure everything has a specific place where it will be easily found.
Let your child view you as more of a coach than a task-master. Develop an air of collaboration between the two of you by asking how you can best help, rather than merely instruct, your kids. Though homework may seem like an impossible mountain to scale for those with ADHD, using the right techniques and tools can help your child succeed.
Explore our wide range of adhd toys & tools appropriate for kids with ADHD.
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