Survival Strategies with Parenting Children with ADHD

• Be Available During Homework Time. Be present and talk through what assignments need to be completed. Once your child begins to work on his assignments, you then can complete the tasks you may have to complete. If your child asks you to leave, consider going to another part of the home, as long as he or she is working on their assignments.

• Increase Physical Activity. Studies suggest a connection between physical activity and increased levels of alertness, mental function and learning. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, allowing for increased levels of glucose (brain food) to the brain, while releasing endorphin's, which are shown to improve mood. Encourage your child to bounce a ball or walk around the house while reading aloud from a book. Your child will eventually settle down and be able to focus on their work more easily.

• Use medication. Most children with ADHD are mentally exhausted upon returning home from school. This often poses significant challenge for completing homework. Discuss with your doctor additional options such as, prescribing a medication that is short acting/ quickly absorbed. Children are able to remain focused, complete assignments and recall the material they studied when prescribed medication.

• Arrange the environment. Although the end of the day may be approaching, homework still has to be completed. Getting your child comfortable and reducing interruptions/distractions improves his or her ability to complete homework. Create an inviting work-space free of the TV and cellphone. Have your child sit away from anything that could distract him from completing homework.

• Make it more fun and it will get done. Homework can be difficult and exhausting. The idea of coming home from a long day of school, only to begin the process all over again can be dreadful. Develop a reward system for homework assignments. You can reward your child with additional privileges such as increased television time or a later bedtime on weekends after homework is completed. If your child is studying for a test, turn it into a game of jeopardy or allow him to also ask you questions. Math, Science and English are some of the subjects that tend to tedious for children. Spice it up a bit.

• Periodically take a break. Allow your child a few minutes to rest in between subjects. Don’t expect your child to complete each assignment one right after the other. Consider also working for 20 minutes then allowing for a short break before moving to the next 20 minute segment.    

• Find a tutor. Depending on your schedule, you may find it hard to help your child with assignments. Consider hiring a tutor or locate an after school program where your child has a teacher available for assistance.

• Organize assignments in their appropriate folders.  Have your child place their homework in the designated folder and place it in his schoolbag the night prior. Develop a system with his teacher to ensure that his assignments are being turned in daily.