Shaun Roberson
ADHD Parenting – 5 Great Ideas to Help Your ADHD Child with homework
What is the greatest challenge in ADHD parenting? It is very likely a homework battle, and all sorts of problems can arise if there is no strategy or homework plan at home.
1. We need to set a timetable, but we can make it easier by doing the following. We give plenty of warnings that homework will start, so this prepares the child for the activity, which is always at a set time during the day, in a quiet place away from distractions. This applies to other areas of ADHD parenting where routines and structures are all known well ahead of time.
2. Be there! We should sit with the child and see that he does it without nagging. That means giving the child full attention and support, but it does not mean that we can check our emails while we are doing this.
3. I know parents who cannot be there, so they get high school kids they know to help their child with homework and sit with them while they do that. I know some parents who found this beneficial and meant that they could all enjoy themselves as a family once they had got homework out of the way.
4. Another challenge in ADHD parenting is actually getting your kid to keep still while doing homework, as fidgeting and restlessness are all part of ADHD. One way around this is to get a stability ball or exercise ball and let him sit on that while doing homework. Research actually shows that while kids are moving in some way, they can focus and concentrate better.
5. Building breaks in and small rewards of healthy snacks is also a great way to keep things moving. This fits in nicely with rewards and consequences, which can be a great help in ADHD parenting.
The other great challenge in ADHD parenting is trying out different medication options. You may have tried psychostimulants and might be worried about side effects such as loss of appetite and sleeplessness, which is undoubtedly going to have a knock-on effect on homework. Maybe you should have a look at ADHD homoeopathic remedies.
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