Homework Tips for Children with ADHD

Getting your child to finish his homework after a long day at school can be difficult--some may even forget to bring homework home, whereas others may hate the concentration required to finish such a task. Parents can keep children on task by following these homework tips, which keep them on track without the threat of negative consequences.

Children with ADHD need a consistent time schedule when it comes to homework assignments. Creating a time block every day makes it easier for them to switch from play to work mode. They are also less likely to forget completing their assignments--they know there is a time set aside every day when they must only do homework.

Here are some tips for setting up a convenient schedule for your child:

• Set aside an hour of time each day for homework. Do not schedule more than one hour--if you must, allow them to take a break after one hour. Children, especially those with ADHD, cannot fully concentrate for more than one hour at a time, and the break allows them to refresh their concentration.
• Set aside time at the same hour every day. If you schedule homework at 4 o'clock, for example, schedule it for 4 o'clock every day when possible. This makes it easier for the child to adapt to the new schedule, making it easier to switch to work mode after school.
• Schedule homework right after school. Children with ADHD cannot concentrate into the evening hours, where ADHD symptoms may flare up. Keep it close to after school hours instead to avoid any conflicts.

Children with ADHD are easily distracted, and even the slightest distraction--a television, a window view of children playing outside, music playing in the background--can prevent them from completing homework accurately and on time. However, setting up a safe, distraction-free homework area can keep children on task.

Use these tips to set up a ADHD-friendly homework area:

• Have the child sit in a well-lit, quiet room free of electronics, spacious windows, or loud sounds. Allow the child to sit at a spacious desk or table. Do not allow the child to sit on a couch or a bed--studies show children cannot concentrate as well while sitting on these surfaces.
• Have homework items, such as pens, paper, and pencils available in clearly labeled storage devices nearby. This prevents the child from exiting the room looking for an item, which may cause the child to lose concentration.

Setting up an appropriate homework area and setting a schedule only gets your child in the door. To keep the child concentrated on the assignment until it is completed, use the following tips:

• Read the homework directions to the child. If the child has trouble getting started on assignments, reading them out loud can reduce the stress of not knowing what to do, which may tempt them to avoid doing the assignment.
• Praise the child for staying focused. If the child is able to complete one part of the assignment without getting up or wanting to quit, offer praise. This encourages the child to continue.
• If the child wants to quit, gently remind him that he can have a break after the first part of the assignment is completed. Most children with ADHD will continue their assignments, eager to earn their break time.

Children with ADHD have the same potential as other students for succeeding in the classroom--but these tips further encourage their educational development, preventing bad behaviors that can interfere with their school performance. Using these tips can help them achieve this goal.