Put It In Their Hands
Homework, that one little word has such an enormous impact on so many parents and children. The arguments, fussing and fighting over how and when it will get done! Wouldn't it be perfect if they would come home from school, sit down right away and just get it done? Well, unfortunately that doesn't happen much in real life. Especially when it comes to children with ADHD. They have just spent six hours sitting in a class room, the last thing they want to do when they get home is sit and do more work. There has to be a way to interest them in doing an assignment or project that will engage their attention long enough to finish it.
Let your child pick the time. It sounds odd, but it means a lot to her if he/she is in control of when play time stops and home work begins. Make a schedule with her. It could be an intensive one that maps out the whole afternoon, such as playtime, chores, homework, bath time... Or it could be as simple as picking out a time slot every day for homework. Then post it on the refrigerator. The point is that the child is the one to take on the responsibility of choosing the time and getting the work done, then feeling good about her accomplishments.
Staying in constant contact with the teacher is a must. If your son or daughter is always coming home feeling upset about a writing or math class, see if it can be modified to fit her learning style. Perhaps she doesn't do so well with small motor skills such as writing, or can't sit still long enough to finish a math assignment. See if she can type the lesson out on the computer. Most teachers are open to suggestions like these if it helps the child learn. There is a huge assortment of software available for this exact reason; math games, writing skills, grammar builders, all of these can influence a child in a positive way.
Keep a log going between yourself and the teacher. Your child will get into the daily habit of passing it from you to the teacher, and vice verse. If any problems arise, jot them down in the log so she can read it the next day. Perhaps a family emergency arose and there was no time for homework, the teacher will appreciate you taking
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