4 Tips for the Constant Homework Battle
You get home from an exhausting day at work. All you want to do is get dinner ready so that you can hopefully have at least 30 minutes to yourself.
Your child is at the kitchen table “doing their homework.” You become frustrated. You are tired of constantly fighting with your child about homework. How is it that they have been sitting at the table doing their math homework for over 30 minutes and have only completed one problem? What are they doing? Why don’t they just get it done so that they can have time to play before bed? Why do I have to be on top of them for everything?
Well the answer is: They can’t. Often children with ADHD lack time management skills and struggle with focusing. Your child may be feeling overwhelmed by the homework they have to complete so they just shut down.
The following are 4 tips to help your child with ADHD remain focused and complete their homework so that you can both feel less frustrated and have more time to do what you enjoy doing.
1. Have a Routine
Set a specific time and location for your child to complete their homework. Ensure your child’s workspace is organized and has all the materials needed to complete their assignments. I recommend giving your child a 30-minute break after school prior to starting their homework. During this time allow your child to play or exercise so that they can release their energy prior to having to sit down and do their homework.
2. No Distractions
Ensure your child with ADHD is completing their homework in a location that is free of any distractions (toys, noise, television, tablet, cell phone, etc.).
3. Schedule a Break
Children with ADHD struggle with focusing for prolonged periods of time. Using the Pomodoro technique during homework time can be very helpful for children who suffer from ADHD. Set a timer for 25 minutes (The time may need to be modified depending on the child’s age or what they can tolerate). During those 25 minutes your child is to focus solely on completing their homework. Encourage your child to work as hard as they can in those 25 minutes until the timer goes off. Once the timer goes off, your child gets a 5-minute break. During the 5-minute break your child may play, exercise, eat a snack, etc.
4. Provide Support and Feedback
Be near your child as they are completing their homework. Provide your child with support and encouragement. Give your child positive feedback and praise the efforts that they have made. Acknowledge what your child is doing well.
Janine Kelly, MSW, LCSW, RPT, CATP, ADHD-CCSP, CCATP-CA is a Registered Play Therapist, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Perinatal Mental Health Therapist in Middlesex, NJ. Janine specializes in childhood anxiety, childhood OCD, childhood trauma, and supporting children who experience neurodivergence such as ADHD and Autism. She also specializes in pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders such as anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, depression, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
*This blog is not a substitute for therapy. To schedule an appointment, please click below.
