Does the homework battle so typical with your hyperactive or A.D.D. child have you at the end of your rope? Relax. We have some tried-and-try ADHD information that should get your A.D.D. child on the right homework path.
The hyperactive or A.D.D. child especially needs consistency, a work place free of distractions, solid encouragement and praise - along with established consequences if the positive homework tips fail.
Establish a Set Homework Routine:
Because the A.D.D. child functions best in a consistent environment, homework should be done in the same place, at the same time and for a set amount of time every day.
Work with your child to develop that routine. Some Attention Deficit and hyperactive children work best immediately after school while others need an hour or two to settle down before jumping back into studies.
To help the A.D.D. child better focus, the work area should be free of distractions, such as televisions, video games, music and other people. The kitchen table might not be the best place if there is too much activity in that room. The bedroom can offer distractions if the television or stereo have a way of "turning themselves on" when you are not there to monitor.
Mandatory Homework Time:
We are strong proponents of establishing an allotted amount of homework time on school days. This set amount of time gives consistency to the hyperactive or A.D.D. child and discourages rushing through homework.
Talk with your child's teachers about the average recommended homework time for the child's grade level. In general, elementary school children should spend about 30 minutes each night on homework. Middle school and high school students should spend about one hour on homework.
If the child does not have homework that evening or they finish before the allotted time, the child can read until their mandatory homework time is over.
"Chunking" and Scheduled Breaks:
The hyperactive and A.D.D. child often experiences difficulty with long-range tasks. "Chunking" homework for the hyperactive or A.D.D. child helps break the homework task into smaller, more manageable pieces.
You can break a 20-problem math assignment into four chunks of five problems each, with a small break in between chunks. If using the mandatory homework time schedule, set a kitchen timer to ring every five to 15 minutes, depending on the child's attention span. At every break, give your hyperactive or A.D.D. child a few minutes to move around or grab a snack to refocus their attention.
Rewards/Consequences:
As with any parenting issue, rewarding good behavior and disciplining poor behavior motivates kids toward good behavior. The A.D.D. child needs all the rewards they can get, along with firm and consistent consequences.
A "homework contract" is an effective motivator for the A.D.D. and an especially valuable tool to encourage the A.D.D. child to accept responsibility for their work.
The homework contract clearly states that when the homework is completed, the child will earn a reward. The contract also clearly outlines consequences for not completing homework.
You can offer daily modest rewards like earning time to play Gameboy, the right to choose a favorite dinner or a modest treat or special privilege. Or, you can develop a point system for larger weekly rewards. You can give out one point for every night of completed homework for the child to cash in for a trip to the zoo after earning five points, for instance.
Effective consequences for not completing homework are losing phone, computer, stereo and television privileges for the evening. To add a little more discomfort to the situation, have the child stay inside for the evening without friends.
It is important that you remain calm, firm and consistent on nights when Attention Deficit Disorder child decides to get into a power struggle over homework. It may take a couple consequence days before the child realizes that completing homework makes for a better night than not doing homework.
It is also important that you reward for effort and not just grades for the A.D.D. child. The goal is to develop a solid homework habit. With a homework habit established, better grades will automatically follow.
Don't forget to offer the intangible rewards of smiles and praise when your child puts the effort into completing his homework. A "way to go" goes a long way in positive reinforcement for Attention Deficit Disorder children.
Additional Homework ADHD Information:
About The Author
Jeannine Virtue is a freelance journalist and mother of an Attention Deficit Disorder son. To learn more about natural and effective alternatives to Ritalin and other ADHD medications, visit http://www.add-adhd-help-center.com
http://www.add-adhd-help-center.com
move in cleaning service Mundelein ..Not all parents subscribe to the notion of "tough love,"... Read More
While youth gangs are nothing new -- they've been traced... Read More
I will cherish this moment. I will not let it... Read More
Would you like your child to be the best that... Read More
21 Reasons I Love Being A DadWhat you will read... Read More
So you're pregnant. Congratulations! Your life is about to change... Read More
Anyone can become a parent; there are no tests or... Read More
NY -- Strange as it may sound, bordom promotes happier,... Read More
The cruel callous remarks made by our offspring can sometimes... Read More
The debate in many towns continues throughout this country about... Read More
Your daughter tells you that Uncle Charley has touched her... Read More
In memory of 14 year old Matthew Smith; 11 year... Read More
Voices have a way of falling into a pattern, not... Read More
I am in pain. I've been in pain all day.... Read More
If your child is to derive the benefits of physical... Read More
When it comes to the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity... Read More
Joey steps away from his time out chair "I won't... Read More
Here's the scene of communication with your child: your three-year-old... Read More
Many people consider plush toys great for children. They say... Read More
Many people still think that the game of chess is... Read More
LOS ANGELES (May 19, 2005) - With Memorial Day weekend,... Read More
Q: Our son has been in honors classes all through... Read More
When choosing the perfect jogging stroller, a very important question... Read More
Most of us when asked what we want our children... Read More
The question I have for you drives right to the... Read More
insured cleaning company Highland Park ..How excited do kids get with the start of school... Read More
I've learned numerous, important lessons on life, motherhood and men... Read More
Researched through personal experience!Budget Your Money. Even if you are... Read More
Arabella Greatorex, owner of The Natural Nursery, reports on the... Read More
"It takes a village to raise a child" is more... Read More
KIDS AND THE NEWSMore than ever, children witness innumerable, sometimes... Read More
One of the questions I ask in parenting presentations is... Read More
Your Virgo Baby..August 23 - September 22Virgo children are honest... Read More
The biggest complaint you hear from parents about their children... Read More
We are all so very happy to see that the... Read More
All of us, including your child, entered this world equipped... Read More
What are we teaching our children about money? Hopefully something!I... Read More
The key to a successful car wash fundraiser event is... Read More
Emotional OverloadMany single parents say they deal with a variety... Read More
Seven-year old Michael was on a school trip to a... Read More
The advances in science over the past century have been... Read More
What are the easiest things citizens can do to prevent... Read More
If you are like most people today, you do not... Read More
When choosing the perfect jogging stroller, a very important question... Read More
The last decade has seen heightened interest in and awareness... Read More
The subject of competition is one that provokes some pretty... Read More
A growing body of scientific evidence shows that the way... Read More
It was a day that I will forever be etched... Read More
Teens can freely access the Internet from computers at school,... Read More
We were sitting in the family room. My kids had... Read More
Parenting |