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
scheduled cleaning services Winnetka ..Unfortunately each year many young children drown in swimming pools,... Read More
There are a few points about shyness in children which... Read More
Do any other reality TV junkies remember a show on... Read More
Dear friends here we will charge up our mind with... Read More
"The best blush to use is laughter: It put roses... Read More
One fantastic way to get your children involved in what... Read More
For the most positive daycare experience for your child, partner... Read More
It is extraordinary times that we find ourselves in. Change... Read More
In the news, we hear and see an increasing number... Read More
Do you want your child to cooperate with you more?Children... Read More
So you want to be a mum? Every time you... Read More
The legend and myth of the Tooth Fairy is a... Read More
At first I thought of titling this article "The Lazy... Read More
Is there anything wrong with lying, cheating, stealing, shop-lifting, taking... Read More
When it comes to exams, or indeed any academic work,... Read More
Before my daughter was born my house was... Read More
What a dreamer I am when thinking about parenthood. Most... Read More
Learning obedience is an important part of child development. This... Read More
In school, kids are encouraged to create, draw, color, paint... Read More
1. Diapers (5 -7 is a fairly safe supply)2. Wipes3.... Read More
Let's face it.The job market is getting tougher every day.Computerization... Read More
Reading to your child at a young age is one... Read More
Frankly, as a single parent of young children, I struggled.... Read More
The 21st Century Problem in Schools: Bullying, and How to... Read More
Saturday mornings. Cold cereal and Scooby Doo. How many parents... Read More
reliable maid service Lincolnshire .."To educate a person in mind and not in morals... Read More
The techniques of managing relationships between parents and their children... Read More
It's back to school time again. Does the thought of... Read More
Prenatal intelligence, also known as fetal intelligence, has become a... Read More
Not so long ago a dad-to-be would pace up and... Read More
Little Suzy has really been having a hard time getting... Read More
Sitting by her Pinocchio lamp, she smiled at me as... Read More
Research literature, recent books, and common sense, all point to... Read More
Most people with children want to be good parents. The... Read More
Individualism is a common thing in today's modern society. Many... Read More
I really like all natural remedy for Attention Deficit Disorder... Read More
Economist John Kenneth Galbraith has said that more people die... Read More
I am a single mother of a 17 year old... Read More
The human brain never actually stops developing. Beginning formation in... Read More
Not many things are more upsetting than discovering that your... Read More
During the assessment process it is of great importance for... Read More
It has been a long day. Home from work, you... Read More
"I WON'T DO IT!" "YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!"Whether parent or... Read More
It may seem obvious to many people why literacy is... Read More
Vacations are fun ! Weekends with the family are nice.... Read More
There is no doubt that the benefits of being a... Read More
Summer Survival The... Read More
The purpose of this article is to address some of... Read More
A parent writes in, ``We are having a hard time... Read More
She slipped her small, soft eight-year-old hand into mine. Her... Read More
Parenting |