Homework time is rarely fun in most households. Parents of children with ADHD have extra challenges to manage. If a child is over-stimulated or stressed, homework becomes nearly impossible to complete. ADHD children have difficulty organizing themselves and their surroundings, and they have trouble concentrating for long periods of time. The following rules and tips can help parents of children with ADHD to better manage homework time.
1. Create a Quiet Place
Many children can manage to do homework at the kitchen table while the hustle and bustle of the household goes on around them. This isn’t the case for children with ADHD. They need a quiet place where they aren’t easily distracted. Strive to create a homework spot for your child. It should be a comfortable, pleasant space.
Children with ADHD often have trouble sitting still. A balance ball desk chair allows them to move while working on their homework, which in turn helps them to concentrate.
2. Structured Time
Children with ADHD struggle to concentrate for long periods of time. Create structure for them so that they can get through these periods. Know your child’s patterns and temperament. For example, can they concentrate for ten minutes? Pop in and check on them every ten or fifteen minutes to see how they’re doing. Consider dividing up their homework time with short breaks. For example, once their ten minutes is up, give them an apple slice or do a few jumping jacks with them and then back to work for ten minutes. These small, healthy breaks can help them stay focused.
Related: How to Deal with Your Kids’ Homework Challenge
3. Create Structure
Children with ADHD have difficulty creating structure for themselves. Work with your child to create systems for homework time. For example, create a system for them to track their daily homework. Create a “Done” folder for homework that has been completed. Consider creating a homework routine for children. When they come home from school, they can have a snack, play with the dog for ten minutes, and head to their homework space.
4. Establish Expectations
Let your child know exactly what is expected of them and what the consequences will be if expectations are not met. It’s important to know your child’s learning style and how these expectations need to be communicated. For example, if your child is a visual learner then you might want to create a chart for the expectations. Be sure to follow through on consequences if necessary.
Clear and consistent communication with your child’s teacher is also imperative. It’s important to know how your child is doing in school, if they’re getting their homework done on time, and how they’re managing in the classroom.