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
professional maid services Park Ridge ..In the first premise, some films and video tapes which... Read More
Late vs. Too LateEvery now and then, I'll hear a... Read More
Do your children have a McChildhood? Do they experience the... Read More
"Becoming a parent can make you a better worker," New... Read More
As a mother of two sets of fraternal boy/girl twins,... Read More
Giving with a happy heart. If you teach a child... Read More
I am a dad. I have been now for over... Read More
Imagine yourself lying flat on your back, totally strapped down... Read More
Many reasons will cause some people to feel the need... Read More
"Not another meeting!"That tends to be the reaction from many... Read More
A sure way to double the joys of parenthood is... Read More
The question I have for you drives right to the... Read More
Minus all meningitis thoughts. The flu symptons were strong. Headache,... Read More
When you're a parent it's a difficult decision to know... Read More
As a parent, you can learn a lot about your... Read More
How are parents to know they are doing the right... Read More
Children are moral and make moral determinations... at least until... Read More
I could nearly fund my children's future education if I... Read More
Nail biting in all its various forms is problematic... Read More
Though you can cover even very long distances by car... Read More
Sara loves pampering. Haircuts, facials, manicures, and makeup bring smiles,... Read More
In our last issue we posted some of our suggested... Read More
Here are some things that you can do to help... Read More
Do you ever wonder what is behind the occasional nasty... Read More
While most fathers aspire to become the best Dads they... Read More
cleaning lady near Lincolnshire ..Are your children truthful, kind, and helpful? If so, read... Read More
My cousin boasts five names and I confess that when... Read More
When a child is born, a new number is added... Read More
You are in the final round of your favorite game... Read More
It is not the divorce but the conflict arising after... Read More
Today's dads are more hands-on than ever before and their... Read More
Often I have heard that leaders are born, not made.... Read More
One of the biggest milestones in our children's education is... Read More
Recently I took my two children to a popular new... Read More
How often do you think of family life as an... Read More
There is a new stage of development for parents to... Read More
I still remember the scene vividly. I was getting out... Read More
There are a LOT of alternative treatments for sale out... Read More
Potty training fears, often called toilet terrors, are common among... Read More
Handing Down Malignancy.Children may begin bright and eager to face... Read More
Would you like your child to be the best that... Read More
Since so many would rather avoid the use of stimulant... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
How excited do kids get with the start of school... Read More
Does this sound familiar? Have your kids not listened to... Read More
Choosing a good car seat for your child's protection is... Read More
1. The Law of the BeastAs parents we need to... Read More
1. Diapers (5 -7 is a fairly safe supply)2. Wipes3.... Read More
How to Get Your Child to Love Reading was conceived... Read More
Research has shown that the present generation of children worldwide... Read More
Parenting |