Getting homework done isn't easy for a student with ADHD. A child with poor memory, attention, and focus will have a difficult time taking down assignments, bringing home the correct books, and keeping track of deadlines. The good news is that you and your child's teacher can help your child get homework done using a homework routine. Though it may take a few weeks or months for the routine to become a habit, getting homework done on time won't be such a chore.
Solutions at school
Keep a homework journal
If your child's school doesn't require one already, provide your child with a notebook where he or she can write the day's assignments. For children with language deficits, copying down homework may be a troublesome task; see if your child's teacher is willing to hand out typed assignment sheets to bring home.
Create a completed work envelope
Give your child a clear plastic envelope where he or she can place the day's homework. This will help your child remember what needs to be brought to school. The clear plastic will also help him or her make sure that the right assignment was packed.
Organize an after-school homework club
Does your child's school provide after-school care? If so, try to organize an after-school homework club where kids can complete assignments under the supervision of a teacher.
Solutions at home
Establish a homework hour
Some children would rather get homework out of the way as soon as they get home, while others want to take a break before hitting the books. Find out what works best for your child and set a consistent homework hour. If your child participates in many after-school activities, create a weekly calendar that lists down the start and end time of homework hour.
Provide a quiet study area
Make sure your child does homework in a distraction-free area of the house, away from the TV, video game consoles, or computer. If your child needs to use the computer for research, disable all video games, instant messaging programs, or distracting websites during homework hour.
Let your child fidget
Believe it or not, research shows that children with ADHD actually work better when they fidget. So don't mind your child if he tends to drum his fingers loudly or if she has to walk around the room in order to read. Allow your child to do whatever it takes to let information sink in. Just make sure he or she isn't procrastinating!
Allow short breaks
Focusing takes a lot of energy out of children with ADHD. Help your child recharge by allowing short five-minute breaks every 20 or 30 minutes.
Dr. Yannick Pauli is an expert on natural approaches to ADHD and the author of the popular self-help home-program The Unritalin Solution. He is Director of the Centre Neurofit in Lausanne, Switzerland and has a passion taking care of children with ADHD. Click on the link for more great information about what is adhd.
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