ADHD Kids and Homework

Posted by Lynn Moore Oct 26, 2008

Often homework time is a struggle for families with a child with ADHD or a learning disability.

Evaluate Your Child’s Progress

Pay special attention to how your child is doing with assignments. What do her grades look like? How much time is she spending on homework? Does she consistently bring home her completed assignment notebook and the materials needed to complete the assignments?

Consider the Homework Set-up

Bear in mind that homework that takes a long time could be caused by several things (as opposed to just plain too much work). Perhaps your child is not using her study time at school effectively. Maybe she thinks that she must complete all of the problems on a worksheet when the teacher has specified to just complete one side or to complete only the even problems.

Make sure your child is using the right tools. If she has a Math worksheet, she should have her Math book to help you both answer questions on the method that she is expected to use. If a test is coming up in the content areas (such as Science or Social Studies) she will have some kind of study materials. Expect her to have (and use) those as she studies.

Perhaps the focus at home includes too much time on review of every subject. Make a plan that includes the things that you want your child to study, spread out over a realistic week long plan. For example, practicing math fact cards does not necessarily have to be done very evening.

Homework does not have to be grueling, but it does require some organization and effort. If you evaluate your child’s homework situation and still think that some is not right, talk with your child’s teacher. Parent teacher conferences are a great time to get homework tips to make the evening go a littler smoother.

~ Lynn