how to help adhd child focus on homework

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10 Simple Concentration and Focus Building Techniques for Kids with ADHD

By robert myers, phd.

how to help adhd child focus on homework

Imagine that you are living inside a video game, where everything is coming at you at once. Every sight, sound, and sensation is a distraction. For a child with ADHD, getting through a typical day is something like that. And it explains a great deal about how they experience the world.

Children with ADHD typically have impairment of functions such as concentration, memory, impulse control, processing speed, and an inability to follow directions.

“The good news…there is something you can do to help your child with ADHD to improve their concentration skills.”

If you’re a parent of a child with ADD or ADHD, this most likely sounds all too familiar. Over the years, you’ve probably struggled through homework sessions with your child and tried (and failed) to get them to complete certain tasks like cleaning their room or finishing yard work. And on more than one occasion, you’ve probably felt completely drained by their high energy and seeming inability to focus.

The good news is, there is something you can do to help your child with ADHD to improve their concentration skills.

For years it was thought that each of us was born with a generous supply of brain cells but that we were unable to produce additional cells or make changes in how they function. Fairly recently, neuroscientists discovered the presence of something called neuroplasticity , which enables the brain to actually grow additional cells or modify the function of existing cells.

Amazingly, cognitive exercises have been found to produce desired changes in how the brain works and how it looks . What this means for parents is that you now can work with your child to help improve their ADHD symptoms.

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Think of it this way: when you want to build up your muscles, what do you do? You do strength and endurance training. Brain exercises basically work on the same principle. They’re a way of helping your child build up focus and endurance in order to strengthen their ability to concentrate, process, and manage their emotions.

As a child psychologist and the father of a son with ADHD, I developed a host of exercises that help kids with ADHD improve their concentration. The key is presenting them as games that are fun for parents and children to do together.

Here are a few simple exercises to get you started. While doing these exercises together, be sure to provide reinforcement in the form of praise and encouragement. Keep a record of progress (usually, this will include how fast your child can complete a task or how long they can continue a task).

1. The Coin Game

Parents like this game because it improves memory and sequencing, as well as attention and concentration. And kids enjoy it because it’s fast-paced and fun.

First, you will need a small pile of assorted coins, a cardboard sheet to cover them, and a stopwatch or timer (there are lots of free timer apps available for your phone). Choose five of the coins from the pile (for this example, we’ll say three pennies and two nickels) and put them into a sequence.

Now, say to your child: “Look carefully at the coins arranged on the table.”

Then, cover the coins with the cardboard. Start the timer, and then ask them to make the same pattern using the coins from the pile. When they are finished, mark the time with the timer and remove the cardboard cover.

Write down the time it takes them to complete the pattern and whether or not they are correct. If your child doesn’t complete it correctly, have them keep trying until they can do it.

You can increase the difficulty of the patterns as you go and include pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and half dollars. You’ll see your child’s concentration and sequencing improve the more they play, which is a great reward for both of you.

2. Relaxation and Positive Imagery

Combining simple relaxation techniques such as deep breathing with positive visual imagery helps the brain to improve or learn new skills. For instance, research shows that if a person mentally practices their golf swing, the brain actually records the imaginary trials the same as if they were real trials, which leads to improvement on the golf course.

In other words, kids with ADHD can imagine that they’re paying attention in class or handling teasing, which can change their behavior at school. You and your child can use your creativity and give this a try.

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3. Mind-Body Integration

An example of this technique would be to have your child attempt to sit in a chair without moving. The parent times how long the child can do this. Repeated practice over several weeks will show improvement. Through this activity, the neural connections between the brain and body are strengthened, providing improved self-control.

4. Crossword Puzzles and Picture Puzzles

It sounds simple, but these are great tools for kids with ADHD. Crossword puzzles improve attention for words and sequencing ability. Likewise, picture puzzles, in which your younger child has to look for things that are “wrong” in the picture or look for hard-to-find objects, also improve attention and concentration.

5. Memory and Concentration Games

Children’s games, such as Simon , are great ideas for improving memory and concentration. They are quick and fun.

Memory motivates the child to remember the location of picture squares, and Simon helps them memorize sequences of visual and auditory stimuli. Through repeated playing, brain circuits are exercised and challenged, which strengthens connections and thus improves function.

Also, there are countless free online games that also improve concentration or memory. You can find these games on sites such as PBS Kids , Fun Brain , and Mr. Nussbaum .

For older children and adolescents, check out the cognitive exercises provided by Lumosity .

6. Dancing Sequence Games

There are various versions to select from, depending on your child’s age and what he or she likes. These games can be played on various video game platforms, including Xbox, Wii, and others. You will also need to purchase the dance mat that goes with your system.

These games improve concentration, processing speed, planning, sequencing, and motor integration. As an added bonus, they can also be a good form of aerobic exercise.

7. Story Based Games

To play these games, all you need is a good story book and a good imagination. You can simply read a short story and give the child a pop quiz on the content. Or, you can read a paragraph or two from a story and then ask your child to come up with what they think might come next.

Provide guidance to keep the content connected to the original story. You can then add your take on what happens after your child says what he thinks happens next. If possible, keep trading back and forth and see what you end up with.

These games help with building working memory and concentration. They can also help in the development of logic and sense of humor.

You can find mazes appropriate for the age of your child for free online. One site that has them is KrazyDad Mazes . Start off with easy ones and move forward. Keep track of speed and errors. Of course, don’t forget to praise improving scores.

Mazes are great for concentration, planning, sequencing, processing speed and visual-motor integration.

9. Puzzle Games

Puzzle games are very good for kids with ADHD or learning disabilities because they help build that brain muscle we were talking about, as do all these exercises. There are maze games (like Perplexus) where players must maneuver a small marble around challenging barriers inside a transparent ball, for example. You can vary the challenges to provide a variety of games.

10. Paddle Ball

Did you ever play with one of these as a kid? I did as a child and a young teen and really enjoyed it. Basically, it’s a wooden paddle with a rubber ball attached to it with a rubber band. The equipment should easy to find at a toy store or drug store.

Best to start with bouncing the ball downward and when that is mastered, switch to bouncing it upward. Keep track of how long your child can keep the ball bouncing. Encourage increasing the amount of time. For older kids, you might want to talk about what it would take to set a record to motivate them.

As you do these brain exercises, work together with your child, serving as their coach. Encourage them, and track their progress as they improve. Working together is a win-win solution because it also strengthens the relationship you have with your child.

Go ahead and have some fun. Do the exercises along with your child. And who knows, you may find your brain will work a little faster and smarter, too!

These suggestions are provided as activities to supplement medical and/or psychological treatment provided under the guidance of a physician or psychologist. They will enhance the benefits of the treatment but will not on their own resolve severe symptoms for a child who has been accurately diagnosed with ADHD.

Related Content: 8 Tips for Parents of Children with ADHD 6 Brain Training Exercises for Children and Teens

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About Robert Myers, PhD

Dr. Robert Myers is a child psychologist with more than 30 years of experience working with children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD - ADHD) and learning disabilities. Dr. Myers is Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at UC Irvine School of Medicine. "Dr. Bob" has provided practical information for parents as a radio talk show host and as editor of Child Development Institute's website, childdevelopmentinfo.com . Dr. Myers earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California.

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Simple & effective techniques for children.

Parenting becoming more challenging day by the day due to technological disruptions. These techniques are surely going to be helpful in growth of children.

Prabha It's very helpful

Georgia B I love the idea of playing games with the child that help them manage their ADHD better! I think this is one of the best forms of treatment because the child is able to have fun while doing it. My doctor has recommended a few that I'm excited to try!

nancyjohn2010 I love these ideas, I think they work perfectly well with young learners. I am actually thinking of using some of them while teaching my own kids.

edwartfruitman All these tips are very useful, but as a psychiatrist I think the fifth tip Memory and Concentration Games would be more helpful for ADHD kids. Whereas, consulting a psychiatrist would be more supportive.

You may fancy trying massage therapy with your son? He may enjoy the relaxation of it??

I have a young boy who I work along side and he is a ball of energy and he thrives off impressing me. I always give him a task to do this comes with a reward.. He always wants to help me out? You could also swap the tv to structured family games time?

Also for the classroom he will need a responsibility and possibly a fidget toy to have in his hands? He may also benefit from a wooden foot stool this tends to be for the children who like the sensory feel touch etc

Hope this has helped

Tiffany, It also sounds like I wrote your comment myself... I was told my son would have a complete behavioral change when I had his extremely large adenoids removed. The adenoids create an upper airway blockage which causes the brain to not be allowed to fall into the proper state of R.E.M. at night which also causes a sleep apnea. Children process fatigue different than adults so they bounce off the wall instead of being slow and yawning and sleepy. We had high hopes for the surgery but Unfortunately his focus is still the same and he is still facing all the same bahvioral issues at school. Just throwing that out there to you and maybe that would be something you could look into. Right now my son is on an IEP at school which allows him to go into quieter classrooms at lunch and have a wiggle seat on his chair through an occupational therapist. We are now looking at a student intervention at his school alongside a behavioral specialist. We also do not want to go through with medications. You are not alone!!! This is so stressful! My son is so smart but the fidgeting and lack of focus may definitely be preventing him from learning.. good luck to you!

@Tiffany Reading your comment felt like I wrote it myself. I also have a first grade student but he just turned 6. He had a very creative and active Kindergarten teacher last year that knew exactly how to work with him. This year is not the same story, since he started school all I receive are notes about his lack of focus and not finishing his work during class. To be honest I did not know how to handle it, I kept blaming him. I took all his toys away, screen time was also limited. Sadly it turned into a constant fight at home to the point that he will ask me to stay longer in after care. Last Thursday I, like everyday, took my son to school and when he went to his desk, I notice they moved him to a corner looking at a wall... I lost it! I started crying inconsolably. Seeing my kid alienated from the classroom and his friends broke my heart. I decided to reach through social media to friends and family that are teacher and psychologist and they helped me understand that not only the teacher was handling things wrong, I was also make it worst.

I decided to make an appointment with a psychologist, is better to know the kind of help he needs and help me cope with the situation. I also talked to the teacher again and address the chair issue. I told her that if he stays alienated from the classroom, every time he comes to class, it will be a reminder that he is not part of the group and that it doesn't matter what he does he has already been labeled. I want every day to be a new start. I stopped all punishments at home and instead of doing school work all the time, I'm focusing my time on teaching him, time managements skills, prioritizing, and concentration.

I understand that just because a child have ADD or ADHD doesn't mean he has to be medicated. Some psychologist start with coping techniques before actually trying medication. Another myth is that medication will affect their personalities and that they will be like robots... that is not true.

I know exactly how it feels and talking to other teachers, counselors and parents that have kids with this conditions will help you cope better with this and give you tools that you can share with your sons teacher.

http://www.mommyvswomen.com

It can be difficult

when you are getting calls from your child’s teacher, and you feel as though

you do not have suggestions to offer her. It’s great that you are willing

to work with your son’s teacher to address this issue, as this can be an

effective first step in helping your son. Janet Lehman offers more tips

on how to work with your son’s teacher to address his behavior in the classroom

in https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/when-your-child-has-problems-at-school-6-tips-for-parents/. I also

encourage you to work with your son at home on the activities described both in

the article above as well as another article by Dr. Bob, https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/5-focus-exercises-for-adhd-kids/. I recognize how challenging this must

be for you, and I hope you will write back and let us know how things are going

for you and your family. Take care.

My son always with playing mood..never concentrate properly

Listening properly

In schools he is ok good

But at home always doing something never getting tired...what shall I do

For increase focus. .. memory ..concentration. ..help me

Nalinisasi

In addition to the techniques

Dr. Bob Myers offers above, you could also check out his article https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/5-focus-exercises-for-adhd-kids/ for even more helpful ideas. I can understand

you wanting to help your son improve his focus and concentration at home if it

is affecting his behavior, and I would implement some of the strategies Dr. Bob

recommends. Something to keep in mind as well is that your son is able to keep

it together at school and do well there, so he has the tools and is able to use

them. It could be that he needs more ways to expend some energy at home, or he

is just a really active kid and he may need to mature and develop some more. I

hope this helps to answer your question. Thank you for writing in. Check back

in if you having any additional questions. Take care.

JudyTorres

I hear you. It can be very frustrating when you spend

a lot of time and energy in the mornings trying to get your child ready to

leave for school on time. It’s not uncommon for young children to have a

short attention span, and to become easily distracted, so you are not alone in

this situation. Something you might find helpful is using a behavior

chart to keep your daughter on task, and offering a small reward if she is

ready to go to school on time. We have many varieties of behavior charts

available to download for free, including one designed for young

children. You can find those by clicking https://www.empoweringparents.com/free-downloadable-charts/.

Thank you for writing in; please let us know if you have any additional

Teacher Terri These games look like great ideas to increase attention in children.

Responses to questions posted on EmpoweringParents.com are not intended to replace qualified medical or mental health assessments. We cannot diagnose disorders or offer recommendations on which treatment plan is best for your family. Please seek the support of local resources as needed. If you need immediate assistance, or if you and your family are in crisis, please contact a qualified mental health provider in your area, or contact your statewide crisis hotline.

We value your opinions and encourage you to add your comments to this discussion. We ask that you refrain from discussing topics of a political or religious nature. Unfortunately, it's not possible for us to respond to every question posted on our website.

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School success kit for kids with adhd.

Tools and strategies to help manage time, stay focused, and handle homework

Writer: Rae Jacobson

What You'll Learn

What are some ways to help kids with ADHD get organized?
How can parents help kids plan ahead?

For kids with ADHD, the right approach to school can mean the difference between good grades (and the confidence that comes with them) and “I lost my homework… again.” Here are a few suggestions for tools and strategies to help kids with ADHD get set for success.

First, get the materials you’ll need. Find, and test, a good planner or calendar so your child can get comfortable using it. There are lots of other tools that can help kids stay on time and on task. Get back-ups of items that often get lost. For example, if disappearing socks (or keys, or gloves or hats) are slowing you down, getting more can help you get out the door on time.

Talk with your child about how to tackle challenges. For example, if paying attention is hard, they could agree to sit at the front of the classroom. If homework is a big issue, setting up a structured, regular homework routine will help. You can also pick a quiet, organized space where kids can work with fewer distractions.

If kids take medication, make sure they’re doing so regularly. Go over potential problems with teachers and work together to come up with a plan for what to do if they come up.

For a lot of kids with ADHD, past difficulties can make it hard to feel good about school. Let your child know that the past is something you can both learn from, and agree to start from a clean slate. Talk about any anxieties they have, and work together to make a plan to support them emotionally throughout the year.

For kids with ADHD , the right approach to school can mean the difference between good grades, and the confidence that comes with them, and another round of, “I lost my homework … again.” Here are a few suggestions for tools and strategies to help kids with ADHD get set for success.

Calendar(s): Whether it’s the New Year, the new school year, or any time a resolution is made to be better organized , calendars are key to kids with ADHD. Your child should have a school calendar with enough space to allow them to write down and organize (by color-coding!) assignments. We recommend a separate calendar for social engagements and after-school activities. Additionally, it helps to add everything to a digital calendar with a reminder function that can push notifications to their phone. Another feature of online calendars is the sharing function. This allows them to share their calendar with parents and teachers and helps everyone stay on the same page.
Backup Items: Avoid morning (and afternoon, and evening) panic by having multiples of items that are easily lost . Think about the things that tend to go missing: If disappearing socks are slowing you down, get more socks. If stealthy shoes (or keys, or gloves or hats or transit fares) are making them late, keeping backups on hand will help them get out the door on time.
Head of the Class : Literally. Sitting in the front of the room not only helps kids avoid the distractions (and temptations!) of back-row chatter and note-passing — it also promotes accountability . The harder it is for kids with ADHD to slip through the cracks, the better. When kids sit up front, it’s easier for the teacher to notice if they’re having a hard time and give you both a chance address the issue before it becomes a problem.
Set Up a Homework Routine: Having a structured, regular homework routine will help kids and parents get work done without squabbles when it’s time to hit the books. Designate a quiet, organized space where kids can work with minimal distractions. Schedule regular breaks for them to get up and move around — not screen breaks! — and don’t forget snacks to help keep blood sugar and focus going strong.
Prioritize: Kids with ADHD often have trouble knowing which assignments should take priority. Here is where color-coding can really come in handy. Arm them with highlighters— and backup highlighters! Assign each color a priority level. For example pink would be “high,” blue, “medium,” and green, “low.” Having a pre-established system will help them build skills and get a sense of what to do when. You can also use apps like Remember the Milk , which allows users to add due dates, priority levels, and estimates of how much time each task will take.
Time Management: The eternal battle. Learning to effectively manage time is the grail for kids with ADHD. In addition to calendars, task timers like Focus Booster can help kids get better at judging how much time each task will take, and let them know when it’s time to move on to something new. Timers aren’t just helpful with homework and chores — they can also use one during longer tests to remind her him to switch sections and use their time efficiently.
Structured Play Dates: If your son or daughter with ADHD has trouble making and keeping friends , play dates with structured activity, where you can tell them what’s expected of them, can ease their anxiety about fitting in socially.
Medication Check-in : Kids who have stopped taking meds during summer should begin taking them again before school starts so they have time to adjust. And when school starts it’s important to pay close attention to how it’s working over the full day (including mornings!) and adjust the schedule so kids aren’t crashing during the last few periods or having mid-math homework meltdowns after school.
Concentration Aids: White noise generators help block distractions and boost productivity. Try apps like Simply Noise that offer a few “types” of noise (pink or brown noise, rainstorms, calming music, etc) so kids can choose what works best for them. You can also use a white noise machine or run a loud fan at home to help kids during homework.
Recording Apps: No matter what accommodations kids have, paying attention to lectures and verbal instructions is a big part of doing well in school. Help kids stay on track by using recording apps with dictation functions. That way they can review any missed information later on.
Check the Policy: Assistive technology can be great for kids with ADHD, but a lot of it relies on smartphones. If your child uses apps to help them during school make sure you check his school’s cell phone policy. If it’s strict, you’ll need to address it during IEP meetings.
Save and Share: Sometimes it seems like ADHD and Murphy’s Law are one and the same. If homework can be lost, left behind or vanish, it’ll happen. If your child is working on an important paper or project encourage them to use programs like Google Docs that are set to save frequently and backup to online servers . This way, he’ll have access to documents wherever he goes and won’t run the risk of losing his work if the computer encounters a problem.
Get Moving: Studies show that exercise has a positive impact on focus and attention in children with ADHD. When you’re thinking about school schedules and after-school activities, include things that get kids get moving. Make sure you’re signing kids up for things they’ll actually like, whether that’s basketball, gymnastics, hiking or real-world Quidditch. What they’re doing isn’t important as long as they’re getting exercise and forming positive associations with physical activity.
Give the Teacher a Heads Up: If you’re not planning on having an IEP for your child, it’s still a good idea to let their teachers know they learn differently . A quick heads up gives teachers insight into potential behavioral issues how to support them throughout the semester.
Practice Advocating: Parents shouldn’t be the only ones talking with teachers. The best thing your child can do to ensure a bright future is learn to become their own advocate. Whenever possible, put them in charge of talking to teachers or peers about their ADHD . Practicing advocacy skills now will help them gain the confidence they’ll need to succeed later in life.
A Clean Slate: For a lot of kids with ADHD, past difficulties can make it hard to have a positive outlook on school. Fears of messing up socially, failing in school, and disappointing parents and teachers are very real for kids with ADHD. Let your child know that the past is something you can both learn from, but otherwise agree to work from a clean slate. Talk about any anxieties they may have around school, and work together to make a plan to support them emotionally throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can help your child with ADHD focus in school by introducing more structure and organization into their daily life. For example, experts recommend color-coded calendars to help track and prioritize assignments. Seating the child at the front of the class will also help them stay on track by limiting distractions. Parents can also set up regular homework routines and some form of exercise after school.

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Schoolwork at Home with ADHD

At a glance.

Without classroom structure, kids with ADHD often find it hard to get on track and stay on track • Whether managing virtual schooling or homework, these simple strategies can help your child be more productive while doing assignments at home

Create a Designated Workspace

A neurotypical brain is capable of filtering out multiple inputs, but the ADHD brain struggles to tune out noise and distractions in the workplace, making it exceptionally hard to focus.

To give the ADHD brain a hand, create a specific workplace for your child that is as distraction-free as possible. Ideally, this is a space that is only used for working, so the brain learns to associate it with quiet concentration. To the degree possible, this space should be separate from main living areas where other family members might be moving around or making noise. If your child is particularly sensitive to noise, he may also benefit from noise-cancelling headphones and listening to white noise.

Chunk Assignments

One feature of ADHD is difficulty with planning, organizing, and initiating tasks . To make homework less overwhelming and help your child develop planning skills, help to break down assignments into clearly defined chunks, or steps. For example, instead of “Write book report,” help develop a specific list of what has to be accomplished, such as, “1. Read book. 2. Come up with a thesis statement. 3. Write outline…” etc.

Have your child focus on completing one chunk at a time, and monitor his progress as he works. It helps to give feedback (with as much positive feedback as possible!) on their working style as they go.

Use the Pomodoro Technique

Teenagers and young adults often benefit from a time management method called the Pomodoro Technique , which structures work time around frequent short breaks. The Pomodoro Technique works as follows:

Select the task to work on
Set a timer for 25 minutes
After the 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break
After four “pomodoros” (or 25-minute chunks), take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.

There are several apps that help keep track of pomodoros, such as “PomoDone,” “Focus Keeper,” or “Marinara Timer.”

For younger children, or teenagers with severe ADHD, this technique should be adjusted down to shorter intervals. Many young kids with ADHD can’t focus for more than 5-10 minutes. Find the amount of time that works—long enough for them to make progress but not so long that they get overly antsy, frustrated, or tired—and use frequent breaks to help them stay regulated.

Encourage Movement

Many children and teens with ADHD move around like Energizer Bunnies. While this may seem distracting, it’s actually the body’s way of compensating for understimulation in the brain. So to help your child focus, find ways to integrate movement into their work. This could mean having them stand up while doing work, or even doing work while walking or wiggling around, if the assignment allows. For work that has to be completed in one set place, allowing them to use a fidget toy can make a big difference in their ability to focus.

Outside of actual work time, it helps to take frequent “brain breaks” where movement is encouraged. Have you ever noticed that you tend to be more clear-headed after exercising or going for a walk? This is even more the case for those with ADHD. Whether it’s taking a 5-minute dance break, doing some jumping jacks or burpees, or taking a walk around the block, getting the body moving will help to stimulate their brains and give them an extra jolt of “focus” for the next round of working.

Most importantly, do your best to be patient with the process. Because ADHD has many different presentations, some strategies will work better for your child than others. Do a little trial and error, and check in often about what helps the most. Whenever you find something that works, take the opportunity to celebrate! Your child is working hard to overcome his struggles, and so are you. Keep up the great work!

This article is adapted with permission from the Sasco River Center in CT . Caroline Segal, a psychotherapist at the Sasco River Center, specializes in the treatment of child and adolescent anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral issues.

How to Focus With ADHD

Tips for focusing with adhd.

Why You Can't Concentrate
Stressful Environments

Parenting a Child With ADHD

Next in Adult ADHD Guide Understanding the Symptoms of ADHD in Adults

Lack of focus ( inattention ) is one of the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) . It may be difficult for people with ADHD to maintain focus and stay organized.

Problems with focus can impact your time at school, work, home, and in social situations. Fortunately, specific strategies can help people with ADHD concentrate.

This article will share tips on how to improve focus if you have ADHD. It also includes advice for specific environments like work, school, and home.

Illustration by Laura Porter for Verywell Health

If you have ADHD, and you are concerned about your lack of focus, there is help. Medication prescribed by your healthcare provider can provide relief. Specific strategies can also help increase focus, whether you take medication or not:

Breathe : Get in the habit of practicing deep breathing. This will help calm the nervous system. In addition, regular meditation practice may increase focus and decrease stress.
Do one task at a time : Focus on one task at a time at work. This reduces anxiety and nervousness surrounding completing all the daily tasks.
Talk to others : If you feel comfortable sharing your condition with your community, this can help increase others' compassion. There are also support groups and licensed mental health professionals who can also help you on your journey.
Take movement breaks : Take breaks to move. Whether it is a walk around the office or a stretch, movement can help with focus.
Use timing techniques : To help with specific tasks, set a timer for an uninterrupted working period. For some people, it may mean 15 minutes, for others, 30. Try different time segments to determine what works for you. Your attention span may vary depending on your age.
Watch your diet : Try to maintain a healthy diet and reduce or eliminate sugar, alcohol, and smoking.
Plan ahead : A plan can help you feel in control of what you are doing, for how long, and how. Many times there are interruptions or complications, and it is good to have a plan and list in place to help you get back on course.
Organize your workspace : It is important to have a clean and organized space where you work. Clutter can worsen anxiety and confusion.
Set the environment : Your general environment is also important. A clean and ordered space can help your mindset and reduce stress. When you know where things are placed, it enables you to think clearer and relax.
Write it down : First, write down everything that you have to do. Then, organize the tasks by deadline and importance. If the item doesn’t have a deadline, give yourself one. Then place the tasks on your weekly and daily to-do lists. As you complete tasks, check them off to see how far you’ve come.
Reward yourself : If you have completed tasks and reached your goals—allow yourself to feel good and celebrate.
Journal and document : Track times that you focus better, or nights that you have difficulty sleeping. You can also journal about your thoughts and feelings. You may share your journal when discussing your progress with your healthcare provider.
Try behavior therapy : This is often used to help children with ADHD. Parents and teachers can train to help the child reduce problem behaviors.
Work with a licensed mental health professiona l: Psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help adults manage ADHD. Your healthcare provider can give you a referral.

Can people with ADHD drink caffeine for focus?

It depends. There are studies showing that caffeine may help increase focus, attention, and vigilance. Some ADHD medications have the same effect. A study of soldiers with ADHD found some benefits of caffeine pills in reducing symptoms, including inattention.

Why Can’t I Concentrate With ADHD?

When an individual has ADHD, they may have trouble focusing—this is part of the definition of the condition. According to the American Psychiatric Association, nine symptoms of inattention may be present in ADHD. These can include:

Difficulty staying focused at work, during play, or at home
Missing important details
Frequently missing deadlines or having consistently disorganized work
Difficulty following through with instructions or tasks
Avoiding tasks that take a long time or focus to complete
Appearing not to listen during a conversation
Difficulty remembering to keep appointments, pay bills, respond to emails, or return phone calls
Frequently losing things that are essential, such as keys, cell phone, or wallet
Being easily distractible

A person under 18 years old with six of these might be classified with inattentive ADHD.

Adults with long-term presentation of five or more of the above symptoms, with little to no symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity, may also have an inattentive presentation of ADHD.

Stressful Environments for People With ADHD

If you or your child has ADHD, there are tips to help you cope with a lack of focus in stressful environments.

Work/School

At both work and school, a clean and orderly environment can be helpful. A schedule can help keep you on track.

At school, a desk organized with all of the supplies needed can help with completing a task or assignment.
A 45-minute lesson might be broken up between listening to a lecture and doing an assignment. A visual time breakdown can be helpful.
If a movement or stretching break between tasks is not an option, a stress ball can be helpful to ensure some type of movement.
At work, a to-do list, timer, and break times are useful. Adults understand their focus timing better so they can gauge when the most focused work should be done during their workday.

Some individuals with ADHD have trouble sleeping . The bedroom should feel clean and comfortable—it should be an area for rest and relaxation.

Try not to have work items in the bedroom.
Set a time to turn off the phone, computer, and TV.
Make the bedroom a sanctuary with soft lighting to help calm yourself for sleep.
Try stretching that promotes relaxation.

With the many responsibilities and tasks to complete at home, the most important thing is to ensure you don't get overwhelmed. Organization is key.

A list of chores and tasks can help.
With younger people, try sitting down to discuss the chores, including how and when to complete them. This can help the child think through their responsibilities and start to understand how they work.

If your child has ADHD, the first step in helping them is having patience and understanding. Upon diagnosis, everything may feel new to both you and your child. There are age- and diagnosis-specific ways to help them succeed with ADHD.

Remember that this is your child's journey and communication with them is important.
Have open communication with your child’s teachers, coaches, counselors, and learning specialist. Your child will feel supported by their team and have the tools for success.
Even if you have ADHD as a parent, remember that each experience is different. Allow your child to feel their feelings and grow through the journey.

Problems with focus (inattention) are a common symptom of ADHD and can affect school, work, home life, and social life. Medications for ADHD can address this symptom, as can behavioral strategies to help you or your child focus.

If you need additional help for yourself or your child, your healthcare provider can refer you to the right mental health professional or specialist. They can help you create a plan to help your condition. It takes patience and understanding from everyone involved.

National Institute of Mental Health. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder .

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. ADHD and complementary health approaches .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Treatment of ADHD .

Nimmo-Smith V, Merwood A, Hank D, et al. Non-pharmacological interventions for adult ADHD: a systematic review . Psychological Medicine. 2020;50:529–541. doi:10.1017/ S0033291720000069

McLellan TM, Caldwell JA, Lieberman HR. A review of caffeine’s effects on cognitive, physical and occupational performance . Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews . 2016;71:294-312. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.09.001

Cipollone G, Gehrman P, Manni C, et al. Exploring the role of caffeine use in adult-ADHD symptom severity of US Army soldiers . J Clin Med . 2020;9(11):3788. doi:10.3390/jcm9113788

American Psychiatric Association. What is ADHD?

By Yvelette Stines Stines is a Michigan-based health writer, book author, and communications specialist.

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My child has ADHD. How can I make homework easier?

8 homework strategies for the adhd student, article at a glance.

ADHD means kids learn differently, so different strategies are needed.
Counter-intuitive moves like more breaks, wearing headphones, or racing can help.
Play to your child’s strengths and be flexible within a consistent framework.

Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder characterized by symptoms such as inattentiveness, lack of impulse control, and/or excessive movement, such as fidgeting. As of 2016, an estimated 6.1 million children were diagnosed with ADHD in the United States. An ADHD diagnosis does not mean that a child cannot be successful, though. When it comes to tasks such as homework, finding the strategies and tricks that work for your individual child makes all the difference. Here are some strategies to try if homework is an area of struggle.

Try Alternative Seating

If your child typically sits at a table/desk, try setting them up in a different area or with different furniture, such as a beanbag chair or a futon.
If weather permits, try letting them do homework outside.
Pair the workspace with a favorite blanket or pillow.

Headphones Are an Anti-distraction Tool

Playing music might help focus attention on the homework task at hand.
Noise canceling headphones might help limit distractions.
If headphones bother them, allow them to play the background noise of choice during homework time.

Fidget Toys are Your Friend

Fidget spinners and other toys can help with sitting still long enough to complete the homework task.
A variety of textures may also be helpful.

Break it Up

Schedule regular breaks during homework time
Allow your child some input with how frequently the breaks are scheduled
Do not be afraid to adjust the schedule if the breaks are occurring too frequently or not frequently enough
Make sure breaktime activities are meaningful to them

Use Timers as Finish Lines

Set a timer for each homework schedule. If your child is old enough, have them set the timer.
For extra fun, have your child select a non-digital timer to use during homework time.

Make it a Contest

Appeal to a competitive nature by setting homework challenges such as “See if you can finish reading this chapter before your break.”
Participate in the challenges with them by letting them “assign” you a task to complete in the same amount of time.
Celebrate completed challenges together.

Set Up a Routine

Start homework at the same time every evening.
Organize materials prior to beginning a task.
Establish a homework order based on your child’s preferences. For example, “I know you hate Social Studies, so let’s do that first and get it out of the way/let’s do that last and get everything else done first.”

Be Consistent

Not every strategy will work for every child, but once you find the strategy or combination of strategies that work, stick with them. Make the living room corner with the beanbag chair and fuzzy blanket the homework spot if that’s where they work best. If 12.5 minutes is the ideal amount of time per homework session, set the timer for 12.5 minutes every time. Make sure that breaks are the same length. Establish a homework routine and go through the steps every time. Participate in homework tasks as much as you are able when appropriate. For older kids, check in regularly with them.

ADHD complicates homework tasks , but it does not have to keep your child from being successful. Finding effective strategies will make a world of difference for both you and your child.

After completing his undergraduate degree in Business Management, Dr. Weed moved to Pennsylvania to study Medicine. While he tried to keep an open mind about a specialty, he noticed that pediatric rounds were always his favorite.

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EXPLORE Random Article

How to Help a Child with ADHD Do Homework

Last Updated: March 29, 2022

This article was co-authored by Laura Marusinec, MD . Dr. Marusinec is a board certified Pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is on the Clinical Practice Council. She received her M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Pediatrics in 1998. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the Society for Pediatric Urgent Care. This article has been viewed 12,838 times.

Getting a child with ADHD to focus on their school work can be a challenge, especially if there are assignments, readings, and due dates involved. You can help a child with ADHD complete their homework with flying colors by introducing methods for learning at school and at home. You should also focus on staying positive and supportive of the child with ADHD so you both feel a sense of accomplishment when the homework gets done.

Preparing for Homework at School

Step 1 Give the child ample time to write down the assignment.

You may ask the teacher to hand out a typed assignment sheet to take home, especially if the child has attention deficits that make it difficult for them to copy down the homework in their notebook.

Step 2 Make them a folder for assignments.

If the child tends to forget to hand back in their assignments, their teacher can include a sheet for a parent to sign once the homework has been completed and packed in the child’s bag. This will serve as a reminder to the child’s parent to check that the homework has been done and is packed in the child’s school bag.

The “study buddy” system can help the child make sure they bring home the books they need for the assignment. It can also ensure the child with ADHD stays organized.
Another option is to get the child to join a homework club, where they spend time with other students and a tutor after school to get their work done. This can be useful if the child’s medication is still working after school and you want to keep them motivated to do their schoolwork.

Step 5 Set up an Individualized Education Program for the child

You can then work with the child's teacher to modify the IEP so the child has less homework or a lightened workload. For example, as part of the child's IEP, maybe the teacher assigns only the odd-numbered math problems for the child or five homework questions instead of ten. This can help the child still learn and get their work done, without being overly stressed or frustrated.
You may also talk to the child’s teacher about spreading out the child’s assignments so they are not due all at once as part of the child's IEP. You may sit down with them and create a schedule of assignments that will fit the child’s abilities and time management skills. This can make the child feel less overwhelmed, but still get their work done.

Helping the Child at Home

Step 1 Get copies of the child’s assignments.

Having your own copy of the child’s assignments will also allow you to read them over beforehand. You can then help the child with the assignment and break it into manageable chunks for the child.

You may set the homework time for right after school, especially if your child does well with staying in “school mode” at the end of the day. Or you may give the child a break after school and then prepare them for homework time ten to fifteen minutes ahead of time.
Some children do well with warnings a few minutes before homework time, such as reminders to “get their brain turned to homework” or “have their mind set to homework mode.”

Keep the child’s homework spot stocked with school supplies, an extra set of school books, and folders for their assignments. You may also make sure they have a reading lamp and lots of writing utensils in their spot.
Make sure the homework spot is free from distractions such as TV, phones, or frequent visitors. A room through which other family members are constantly passing, for instance, may not be the best spot.

For example, you may block out the child’s homework in 20 minute chunks, followed by short breaks. You may schedule 20 minutes on math homework, followed by a five minute break. Then, the next 20 minutes may be on social studies homework, followed by another five minute break.
You may also set a timer for 20 minutes and place it in front of the child so they stay motivated. Once the timer goes off, you may then allow them to take a five minute break to do something else.

Staying Positive and Supportive

Step 1 Work with the child on their homework.

Try to encourage the child to come up with an answer on their own before you help them. You do not want to do their work for them or allow them to lean on you too much.
If you notice the child has reached their threshold, but they have not finished their work, do not try to force them to keep going. Speak to their teacher about assigning less work so the child can still get some work done.

You can also use verbal praise as a reward. A simple “Great job!” or “Excellent!” can encourage the child to stay positive and focused as they do their assignments.
You should offer the child a reward if they get good grades on their homework. You may take them on a fun outing or get them an item they really want as a reward for doing well.

Step 3 Keep the child organized for school.

You should also make sure they have put their completed homework in their bag so it is ready to turn into their teacher. This will ensure the homework ends up in the right hands and that the child gets graded by their teacher.

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14 ways to Help Your ADHD Kid with homework

Homework battles may be a common occurrence in your household…I know getting homework done with ADHD can be – to say the least-extremely challenging. I have learned a lot( I have two boys, now teens, with ADHD) – and continue to learn, but I do have some great ADHD homework tips that can be extrememly useful when you are trying to help your kiddo.

Homework issues this post will help you with:

Chronically forgetting homework
Inability to sit for very long and complete homework
Yelling at you while you help them with homework
Lying about and avoiding homework
Forgetting needed supplies at school
Not knowing what the assignments are
Resisting writing homework assignments in a planner
Forgetting planners at school
And last, but certainly not least, resisting big projects or long writing assignments.

Whether your kids are just starting with homework or you’ve waged a few wars over homework, yourself, here’s our best tips for how to help an adhd child focus on homework. Read on – maybe there is one you have not tried!

1. Communicate with teachers

Establishing a good rapport with your child’s teacher(s) is paramount.

Homework troubles often stem from school issues, like not getting work done during the day, or not listening in class. Making the teachers aware of your kids’ struggles and strengths is the first line of defense. The better equipped the staff is at school, the better off your kid will be, both in and out of school.

Staying in direct communication with the teacher thru email or texting can be a life saver. I have contacted teachers countless times to clarify assignments because my son wasn’t paying attention in school or to have them email over a second copy of the assignment still sitting in a desk at school.

Sometimes, it is just being able to communicate that homework will not get done on time, despite everyone’s best effort. Most teachers are very accommodating when you are honest about your predicament.

2. Get your kids organized

Can you tell which desk belongs to your kid on Back to School Night? Is it the one with hoards of paper falling out? Does everything seemed to get swallowed up into the black hole that is their locker?

Helping ADHD kids get organized at school is an extremely helpful first step in bringing homework home. If their desk or locker is stuffed to the gills, the harder it is for them to find their books, supplies, and homework papers.

Clearly, you can not be at school with them everyday. But there are things you can do to facilitate this. Kids who struggle with executive function just do not have the skills yet to organize. These things can help:

Quarterly locker/desk clean out – No teacher would mind you showing up after school for a thorough desk or locker clean out. I’ve done this many a time, making sure it is after hours, so my kids are not embarrassed.

Weekly backpack clean out – This can become part of your family’s weekly routine. Dump everything out of your kiddo’s backpack once a week. Sit with them and go thru what can be saved or thrown away. This is a great way to teach a useful, life-long, habit.

Get them the right tools : We have found some tools to be so helpful, in fact, we can’t live without them! This Case – It binder ( see picture above)has helped my middle schooler keep all of his papers together – no more forgotten folders or notebooks because everything is in one place . And it has lasted two years and is still going strong. This hanging locker organizer and locker shelf make it so much easier for him to keep his locker reasonably tidy so he can find what he needs.

Keep their desk/study space at home clean and tidy : Weekly or monthly clean ups may be in order for their home study space, too. Modeling this goes a long way and eventually they will become more proficient in this area. We love our rotary desk organizer for holding just about everything needed for homework in one place.

3. Have a weekly check-In appointment

It is so important to get kids really proficient at keeping track of their own homework assignments. This can be super tough for ADHD kids because it involves some executive functioning skills that may be slow to develop.

Certainly, this will be an ongoing process and one that you will probably scaffold for a very, very long time. to help facilitate this process, no matter what age your kiddo is, have a weekly check-in appointment with them.

This sacred check-in time will look different for each kiddo. But, the important part is that you let your kiddo run the appointment as much as possible. The goal is to get them to think more proactively about their school responsibilities

For lower elementary kids , you can sit with them as they go through their backpacks and folders and talk about assignments they have to complete. This also may involve them calling up their grading software to take a closer look with you. Finally, make a plan with them for the upcoming few days or week.

For middle and high schoolers , you can let them show you grades, assignments, etc on their computers. Take some time to discuss any missing assignments and make a plan for the next week. When will they study for the test? How will they complete the missing assignments?

The earlier you start with this the better, so by the time kids hit high school they have practiced this skill and have gained the skill of planning .

4. Create an inviting study space

ADHD homework battles can be helped immensely with ADHD homework tip #4 – creating a dedicated study space. Ideally the space is free of distractions and quiet, with all needed supplies at close hand.

Think outside the box with this one- A study space does not have to be a desk. Preferably it is not in a bedroom or other room away from your watchful eye. Most of my older son’s homework is done sitting in a certain corner of our sofa, directly under the reading light. His feet are up on the coffee table and I am close by.

Kitchen or dining room tables, a cubby space in the laundry room or on the family room coffee table are just a few examples of study space possibilities. Keep supplies close with a caddy or pencil cup, if needed. My kids are getting older, so all they really need is their computer.

5. Set up, and keep, a homework routine.

An inviting study space is just one part of your adhd homework routine. Just like mornings or bedtimes, the transition from school to home(work) can run smoother when a routine is in place.

Be sensitive to your kids because this transition time may be harder to make than you think. Choose an after school routine that fits your child’s needs and schedule. Make sure the routine can bet flexible for after school sports and activities.

A small break is advisable when your kiddo first walks through the door. This time to decompress and connect with your kid can have exponential benefits to your relationship. Then, backpacks can then be emptied and homework time can begin.

Both of my kids really need about 20 minutes when they get home from school or sports to just “chill”. It does mean that sometimes dinner is later or eaten while doing homework, but without that time, the whole evening just collapses.

Getting completed assignments returned to school or handed in also should be part of the homework routine. Pack backpacks with assignments as soon as they are finished. Scan in homework and email it in, if that is an option. Placing backpacks by the door before going to bed is a great way to end your daily homework routine.

6. Create a few rules.

ADHD homework tip #6 is having some “non negotiable” rules in place for homework time. For instance, it may be necessary to enforce a “no phones out while doing homework” rule , and “no food or drink near the computer” rule.

Rules will vary, of course from household to household, and kid to kid, but it is okay-and probably necessary- to have these in place. Have a conversation about these rules with your kids, but in the end, it’s your decision. Your kids may grumble, but you are the parent, after all.

Our homework rules also include “no screen time on weekends until all missing homework is completed”. This has curbed some of the homework avoidance during the week and helps to get any missing homework completed at the start of the weekend.

7. Stay Close

I find that staying in close proximity while my kids are doing homework is extremely helpful. Being able to answer questions, provide help when needed, or just monitor what’s on the screen are all great reasons to stay close by your kiddo when they are doing homework.

Someday, my kids may be able to do homework alone in their room, but for now, they are just way to easily distracted to have this work for us.

8. Use a Timer

I’ve written about how much a timer helps our ADHD homework time in this post. Our timer is seriously is the most used product from my ADHD resources list . Not that I am keeping score, but I win just about every homework battle with this darn timer .

ADHD kids usually suffer from time blindness – an inability to correctly feel or predict the amount of time something will take. The idea of sitting down to do homework may be extremely unappealing because ADHD kiddos think it will take hours.

So, I use a timer to entice my son who hates homework, to sit for 10 minutes – just 10 minutes and “let’s see what we can accomplish”.

Works like a charm every time.

Usually 10 minutes is all it takes to get a big chunk of the assignment done and when my son sees this, he is willing to finish off the assignment -or take a break and come back for 10 more minutes.

We use this technique to tackle longer projects too. Working in small chunks, makes even the biggest of projects more manageable.

The timer not only makes homework time easier, but, it is teaching my kids several things: My children’s sense of time is growing. They realize what 10 minutes (or 5 or 20) feels like. Also, my kids are learning how much is possible in that relatively short period of time.

We use the timer for breaks, too…..that way it’s the timer telling my kid their break is over…not me!

We love our timer so much , we purchased one for my son’s class.

9. Take Breaks

To stay focused for long periods of time, it is vital that kids be allowed to take breaks during homework time. Talk with your kids before they start their homework time to get an idea of the kind of break they’d like and how long they can work before break time comes.

There are many options for breaks —snack break, outdoor play break, walk around the block break, reading break –you just have to find a few options that work for your family. We tend to shy away from screen time breaks because it is harder to stop the break and get back to work.

My kids like to jump on the trampoline, have a snack, or read for 5 or 10 minutes. We use our timer to remind us when break is over.

10. Stay Fueled

Kids are usually exhausted after school and need a bit of refueling.

After school snacks should be healthy and include some protein and fat.

Nuts and raisins, hard boiled eggs, veggies and dip, hummus and gluten free crackers, and cowboy cookies are some great options.

My kids start off eating whatever is left from their lunch before having something new. (Remember, I don’t make a big deal about my kids finishing their lunches)Then, I offer healthy options and make sure they do not spoil their dinner.

Our favorite snacks include Kids Clif Bars, Sommersaults (great nut free option), olives, Hippeas, and Peanut Butter and bananas.

11. Figure out what works for your kiddo.

Finding what works for your kid is so important . In our house, both kids need a break right after coming home to read and eat a snack. One son loves to listen music while he does homework—but I make sure his acoustic playlist is made before hand so there is no surfing from song to song while he is also trying to do his homework.

Both boys LOVE using these wiggle stools while doing homework. I don’t know why it took me so long to order these!! This wiggle stool allows them to move while sitting, so they sit for so much longer than without them. The stools stay at our kitchen table all the time and have eliminated so many fights about leaning back on chairs-during study time and meal times! (The stools come in teen and kid sizes )

12. Have Family Work Time

Family work time happens a lot at our house. We all work at the same time, in close proximity. I sit down on the sofa next to my son and work on my computer while he is working on his homework. It means I am nearby to watch his screen use and answer questions, but not paying so much attention that he feels stifled.

I am modeling my own quiet work time and getting something done at the same time. I find that this really helps my son stay on task longer and finish bigger projects, too.

13. Request special allowances in a 504

Do not be shy about advocating for your child beyond their teacher. You may have to add more homework accommodations to your child’s 504 or IEP. If you do not have a 504 in place yet, consider meeting with the school psychologist to see if that is an option.(Read here about how long it took us to get one, but we’re so glad to have it now!)

Do not be afraid to amend a 504 plan at amy time during the year. I’ve already had two meeting this year to tweak my son’s accommodations. Aren’t we all a work in progress?

14. It’s Okay to Throw in the Towel

Remember, there are no homework emergencies. It’s not worth a huge fight, continuous tears, or big family drama. Somedays, it is OK to give in, let go and realize that homework might not get done.

Send a quick email to the teacher and move on with your evening. Tomorrow is a another day.

Have a tip I did not mention? Please add it to the comments. I love to hear some new ideas!

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ADHD and Homework: How To Get Kids To Focus

Home » Parent Press » Parenting Hacks » Academics » ADHD and Homework: How To Get Kids To Focus

It’s that time of day again: your child has returned home from school, tossed their backpack on the table, and wandered off to do whatever strikes their fancy. Homework has again gone forgotten. So how do you get kids to focus? It’s no surprise that children with ADHD struggle with homework. All children do! They’re tired after a long day of learning new things and being exposed to a lot of overstimulation. That said, someone has to do the homework eventually, so you need to get your child on track. ADHD and homework do not have to be an impossible combination. We’re here to help you and your child out. Read on to learn all about strategies to help with homework completion (or even getting started) for children with ADHD.

Table of Contents

Help Kids Focus With Reminder Tools

Some children (with or without ADHD) will try to hide their homework or just forget they have it. Children with ADHD often struggle with the idea of consequences, so they may not remember that hiding their homework will result in lower grades, or that if they don’t act on homework soon, they might really forget later

Give Kids the Same Tools You Give Yourself

You probably use a reminder app on your phone or your calendar to keep up with life. Give kids the same ability with an app or paper planner. We recommend going digital, of course. Use screens in a healthy way with Goally – we even provide a distraction-free device so kids can focus on schedules, checklists, and reminders.

Goally | The Safest Tablet for Kids

A young child demonstrates brushing teeth on the best tablet for kids by Goally, highlighting a kid-friendly interface.

Checks and Balances

With so many schools putting schoolwork and grades online, it’s easier than ever for parents to check and make sure that their children actually brought their work home with them. Set a reminder in your own phone to check. If you see homework on your child’s schedule, ask about it. Ask your child about their work. If they claim not to have anything, check online to verify.

Help Kids Focus With Routine

Establishing a consistent schedule for your child’s work is crucial for improving their focus and productivity. Children thrive when they have structured routines , even if they occasionally resist them. The optimal time for your child to do their work may vary depending on their individual needs and preferences.

For some children, it’s beneficial to allow them some downtime after school to unwind. Engaging in physical activities or taking a brief nap can help them recharge before diving into their assignments. If you’ve been encountering challenges with ADHD and homework refusal, try pushing the homework time back by an hour to provide your child with an opportunity to decompress and transition smoothly into their work.

Create a Special Work Area

It’s tough for any kid to focus on their homework when they’re working from home, what with all the tempting distractions nearby. But for children with ADHD, these distractions can feel like a total nightmare. From pets to toys to TVs, anything can steal their attention away from their work in an instant.

two kids play with various toys on the ground in the classroom.

To help your child stay on track, consider setting up a designated homework space that’s free of distractions. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy – just a small desk or table with a few supplies will do. This can help your child get into “work mode” and stay focused during homework time.

When choosing a spot for the workstation, aim for somewhere quiet and free of distractions. Loud noises or visual distractions can easily derail your child’s concentration, so try to avoid setting up near windows that face a busy street or playground.

Stay Nearby

It’s always best for parents to stay near their children when they’re doing their homework. For children with ADHD, it’s extra important. First, your child might need help. If your child knows that you’re nearby, they’ll feel more confident calling out to you for help instead of just skipping the homework assignment. When you’re nearby, you can also keep an eye on your child to make sure that they’re staying on-task. If you notice that your child is starting to wander, you can intervene.

Schedule Breaks (if Necessary)

Speaking of intervention, intervening doesn’t mean that you make your child start working again. They do have to finish their homework, but it might be better for them to have a short break if they’ve been struggling for a long time. Taking breaks can increase your child’s focus . If they’re working on something too challenging, a short break can be enough to give them the burst of energy that they need to keep going. We recommend 15 minutes or less of break time. Try to get your child to do something physical, like a brief walk outside or a short game of hopscotch.

three kids play with a rubber band game together on the couch.

Helpful Supplies for Homework Time

All of your child’s supplies should be available to them at their “work station.” But what do they need? First, make sure that they have all standard school supplies. Pencils, crayons, erasers, pens, and anything else that you would have bought for them at the beginning of the year should be nearby.

It’s a good idea to have several labeled document bins or folders where your child can place homework that they’ve finished and homework that they haven’t started yet. This can keep your child more organized. We recommend having a few “extras” that can help your child stay on task. If your child does well with fidget toys, slime, or movement items (like a yoga ball, for example), include those things in the child’s work area.

Using a Reward System

We all know that homework can be a real drag for kids. If you’re trying to keep your child motivated and engaged, consider starting a reward system. After all, let’s face it – homework is just plain boring! One effective approach is to make “homework time” a regular part of your child’s schedule, and offer rewards for finishing on time or completing assignments early. Kids focus is often motivated by the promise of rewards, so this can be a great way to keep them on track.

And if you’re looking for an easy way to track your child’s progress, check out Goally. With its built-in timer, you can keep tabs on how long your child is spending on each task. After that, you can reward them accordingly when they hit their goals.

Try Goally For Your Child With ADHD

Goally helps kids with ADHD stay focused and build skills. Unlike a Kindle or an iPad that kids get easily distracted on, Goally has no YouTube, no social media, no web browser, and especially no ads.

Goally uses game play as a points-based motivator for your kiddo with ADHD and helps them learn emotional regulation skills. It’s simple to set up and has an expert-informed design.

ADHD and Homework: Your Child Can Focus With the Right Tools

ADHD and homework might seem like an impossible combination, but with the right strategies and tools, your child will coast through all of their homework with ease. Mix and match these ADHD and homework tips and see your child start to thrive! Are you looking for something new to add to your neurodivergent child’s toolbox? Get Goally! Goally can help your child establish and follow a routine and you can reward them for it! Your child gets access to behavior tracking, visual scheduling, and more. Check out our pricing plan or try a free demo today. We know that you’ll love it.

FAQs About How To Get Kids To Focus

This post was originally published on 02/17/2022. It was updated on 02/02/2024.

We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.

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How To Tell Your Child That They Have ADHD

H as your child received a diagnosis of ADHD? They’re not alone. CDC data from 2016-2019 shows that 6 million children ages 3-17 have an ADHD diagnosis. That’s almost 10% of the population in that age range.

Because these numbers are so high and consistently rising, there has been sustained worry about ADHD being overdiagnosed in kids who are simply exhibiting age-appropriate behaviors such as trouble sitting still.

At the same time, advocates say that ADHD is actually being under diagnosed in some groups of children, such as girls , potentially because they don’t exhibit the same hyperactive symptoms that many boys do, which we are quicker to attribute to ADHD. Girls tend to be diagnosed later than boys. Women who didn’t receive their diagnosis until they were adults have expressed frustration that they had to wait so long to get the treatment they needed.

Because ADHD is a neurological condition, it is different from other medical diagnoses common to childhood. An ear infection, for example, is something that you want to treat in order to make it go away. But you can’t get rid of ADHD; it’s how your child’s brain is wired.

When separated from stigma, having a diagnosis can come as a relief. It also opens doors to medical and educational services that can help your child struggle less. So while parents can view an ADHD diagnosis as an opportunity rather than a setback, it’s often a challenge to communicate this nuance to a child.

HuffPost asked medical professionals who work with kids who have ADHD how they talk about the diagnosis with their patients and their families.

Frame it as a difference, not a disorder.

“The first thing that I always say is that everybody’s brain works a little bit differently and everybody learns a little bit differently,” Dr. Janine Zee-Cheng , a pediatrician who practices in Indiana, told HuffPost.

Zee-Cheng tells patients to imagine their brain as an engine that runs at its own unique speed.

“If your engine runs high, there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s just that maybe it’s running a little too high for sitting in school and being still.” Other signs of an engine running on high might include fast-moving thoughts and talkativeness.

Dr. Larry Mitnaul , a child and adult certified psychiatrist who practices in Kansas, says that he always leads with the child’s strengths: “I describe how distraction and ‘jumping into action’ are great qualities,” Mitnaul told HuffPost.

He continues by explaining that “their unique strength in these areas can make certain activities feel harder to them than their peers.” He might mention focusing on adults’ instructions or staying in their seats at school. Mitnaul then tells the patient, “We have a term to describe brains that work this way.”

Mitnaul says he also sometimes compares the child’s strengths to a superpower, like Elsa from “Frozen” or The Hulk, which “we can help them learn to manage and use for good in the world.”

Dr. Helen Egger , a child psychiatrist and co-founder of the online pediatric mental health provider Little Otter , agrees that it’s important to emphasize what a child’s strengths are. “Many children with ADHD have strengths in social skills, and creativity, and are adventurous,” she told HuffPost. Even traits that could be seen in a negative light, like squirming or fidgeting, could be recast in a more positive way. You could instead describe a child as “bouncy,” for example.

It’s also important to remind kids that there is so much more to them than their ADHD symptoms. “We focus on distinguishing between the diagnosis and the child,” said Egger. “ADHD is something that the child has, but it doesn’t define who they are.”

When we help our kids understand that every single brain is unique and different (including our own brains as parents), it takes away the stigma of a child thinking something is wrong with them. Katie Severson, speech-language pathologist

The Childhood Collective is a group of two child psychologists and a speech-language pathologist specialized in ADHD. Katie Severson, the speech-language pathologist, told HuffPost that they also emphasize the idea of ADHD as a difference that is helpful to know about.

ADHD is a term “to describe the way their brain works. It’s not ‘bad’ or ‘wrong,’ but different! And this helps us better understand them and why some things come easily for them and why other things may be more challenging,” said Severson.

Using your child’s specific experiences can be helpful. Severson suggests saying things like, “For some kids, like you, focusing on boring or hard tasks is really, really hard. But you may find it really easy to focus on video games or things you love,” or, “Your brain and body really love to move! You know how you like to stand while you color or do homework? For some kids with ADHD, moving while they work can help them focus.”

Severson also recommends ADHD expert Dr. Edward Hallowell ’s description of ADHD as “a turbo charged mind — like a Ferrari engine, but the brakes of a bicycle.”

“This helps kids understand why their brain can feel like it’s moving so quickly, while also being unable to stop themselves from doing things impulsively ... and reaffirms that we know they don’t want to be ‘bad,’ but impulsive things do happen with ADHD brains,” said Severson.

Egger extends the famous Ferrari metaphor into the realm of treatment. She offers: “Most people can’t just jump into a race car and drive it well and safely without training and practice. So, the driver of your race car brain needs special strategies and support to learn how to drive and stay in control of the race car. Caregivers and teachers are like the pit crew that help keep the race car running smoothly!”

Have an ongoing series of conversations, and broaden your focus from only ADHD.

Instead of explaining everything about ADHD in one fell swoop, focus on having brief, meaningful conversations about the many ways that people’s brains are different. You can use yourself as an example, mentioning that you need to take notes or draw a diagram in order to understand something, for example, because that’s the way your brain works.

“By talking regularly about our own brains and our kids’ brains, we can have open dialogue about where they really shine, where they might need more support, and what is or isn’t working for them. When we help our kids understand that every single brain is unique and different (including our own brains as parents), it takes away the stigma of a child thinking something is wrong with them,” explained Severson.

Explain that medication is to help them, not “fix” them.

Zee-Cheng uses a lemonade metaphor to talk about medication with her patients. Most kids understand what lemonade is supposed to taste like, and that it’s made from sugar, water and lemon juice. But it’s not just about having those three ingredients. You could drink a big glass of water with some lemon juice and a few grains of sugar, but it won’t taste as good as when the ingredients are more optimally proportioned.

“When you have ADHD, the chemicals in your brain are kind of like that lemonade, they’re not present in the right proportions,” she said. “When we give medication for ADHD, then all we’re doing is bringing all of the ingredients into the right quantities.”

It’s not about fundamentally changing who your child is but shifting things around to help make certain experiences easier for them.

Another metaphor she uses when talking about medication is footwear for mountain climbing: “Some people have hiking boots already and they walk up the mountain with no problem. Some people are wearing flip-flops — it’s still possible to walk up the mountain, but it’s really tough. So we’re giving you a pair of shoes that is a little bit better so you can get up the mountain the same way that your peers do.”

Ask for help.

You and your child deserve time with an expert who has a deep understanding of ADHD and experience talking about it with people of all ages. If they don’t offer, ask your doctor or therapist to meet with you and your child together to talk about the diagnosis and come up with an action plan.

This way, “the family gets to ask questions together and receive a common language that they can use at home and perhaps school or other parts of the community,” said Mitnaul.

There are lots of resources out there to help you understand ADHD and advocate for your child, including Understood.org , ADDitute magazine , and CHADD . Mitnaul recommends the book “ Taking Charge of ADHD .”

Children’s picture books can reflect your child’s experience so they feel less alone and help them understand their condition. There are many, including “ Cory Stories ,” “ Get Ready for Jetty ” — which features a girl — and “ This Morning Sam Went To Mars. ” The Childhood Collective recommends “ My Busy Busy Brain ” — which also features a girl — and “ The Boy With the Faster Brain .”

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I wonder what my future holds (Photo: Moyo Studio via Getty Images)

Executive Function

Can video games improve processing speed in children, how to help kids with adhd and slow processing speed..

Posted April 5, 2024 | Reviewed by Tyler Woods

Slow processing speed impacts children at school, socially, and in problem-solving.
Emerging neurotechnologies also have the potential to improve slow processing speed.
Improving executive functioning skills can impact processing speed in children.

Slow processing speed impacts children in a variety of ways. Slow processing speed often has a dramatic impact on school performance and the capacity to keep up with peers. It can negatively impact self-esteem . Because it is so frequently misidentified, it can also cause children to develop oppositional tendencies with parents and teachers. Slow processing speed frequently presents itself as children’s difficulty completing schoolwork in a timely fashion, slow-moving behavior, or, conversely, haphazardly rushing through tasks. Longer homework assignments, particularly those that involve writing, are the genesis of frustration and oppositionalism.

The impact of slow processing speed on children has often been underestimated. Slow processing speed is poorly understood or misidentified by parents, educators, and, perhaps most importantly, children. Its impact on academic and social-emotional functioning needs to be better recognized. For example, many family conflicts around activities, such as homework completion or getting ready for school in the morning, are due to unrecognized slow processing speed. Children’s frustration and lack of awareness of their slow processing speed can impact motivation , self-esteem, sustained effort, and school performance. Resignation about keeping up with homework assignments and the demands for taking notes or finishing tests on time is common. Long-term effects of slow processing speed issues in childhood have been linked to depression and psychological distress in adulthood.

Other issues may exacerbate the struggles of children with slow processing speed, including anxiety about their performance, a sense of isolation from others, and trouble keeping up with the pace of peer interactions. Children with slow processing speed also tend to have difficulty with a variety of executive functioning skills, including problems with task initiation, planning, task persistence, and time management .

In a world where speed and efficiency are so highly valued, using video games and other emerging technologies as a tool to help children with slow processing speed is valuable. Studies of neuroplasticity suggest that modest improvements in processing speed are possible. Some of the more promising interventions to improve processing speed in children involve video games and other screen-based technologies. Thus far, the most compelling research has focused on older adults. In a series of studies conducted across six major universities, Posit Science reports that its brain training program, BrainHQ, increased the speed of verbal and visual processing in older adults. The organization reports that the results generalized beyond tasks measured in the study and that improvement continued to be observed in five- and ten-year follow-ups. Other research indicates how action video games can improve processing speed. One recent study suggested that video games that target visual perception functions associated with visual-motor integration can enhance the speed of processing.

However, a prescription of endless video game play to improve slow processing speed is not recommended. The available data suggests that modest improvements in slow processing speed can be achieved through targeted video gameplay. The application of other cognitive training techniques, along with appropriate accommodations, is a far better course of action.

Processing speed is a cognitive process where technology combined with targeted training would seem to make an ideal pair. If we were to look at a physical comparison to processing speed, we might look no further than a running track, where advances in technology, training, equipment, and assessment have all contributed to faster times across many events. These technologies have resulted in world records, but more importantly, they have also made track athletes of all skill levels faster. Similarly to the track, there are limits as to how much improvement in processing speed any person can make as a result of their use of training and technology.

Traditional interventions for children with slow processing speed and ADHD involve the use of accommodations and alternative teaching strategies. For the most part, educators do not make any effort to improve the speed of processing. Instead, these children frequently have 504 plans developed that include additional time to complete tasks, reduction in the amount of expected work, receiving instruction in smaller chunks, scribing or note-taking, and a focus on quality rather than quantity of work.

Until recently, these were the primary interventions to help children with slow processing speed. This approach was based on the aforementioned assumption that processing-speed capacities were fixed, rather than malleable. The science of neuroplasticity, along with the availability of neurotechnologies and productivity tools , has altered this perspective. Psychologists have also begun to examine how other types of interventions and techniques can improve slow processing speed in children with ADHD, including exercise, direct teaching of executive-functioning skills, and complementary skill development.

It’s time to get moving faster on developing new interventions for kids with slow processing speed. While using video games might be the preferred intervention for many kids, the application of common technologies, such as audiobooks for slow readers, dictation apps for slow writers, and apps for time management , can also improve slow processing speed. There is no reason that we should not use both appropriate accommodations and available technologies to support these kids.

Ahn, S. (2021). Combined effects of virtual reality and computer game-based cognitive therapy on the development of visual-motor integration in children with intellectual disabilities: A pilot study. Occupational Therapy International , 2021 , 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6696779

Cunha, F., Campos, S., Simões-Silva, V., Brugada-Ramentol, V., Sá-Moura, B., Jalali, H., Bozorgzadeh, A., & Trigueiro, M. J. (2023). The effect of a virtual reality based intervention on processing speed and working memory in individuals with ADHD—a pilot-study. Frontiers in Virtual Reality, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/frvir.2023.1108060

Gale, C. R., Harris, A., & Deary, I. J. (2016). Reaction time and onset of psychological distress: The UK Health and Lifestyle Survey. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health , 70 (8), 813–817. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech-2015-206479

Simpson, T., Camfield, D., Pipingas, A., Macpherson, H., & Stough, C. (2012). Improved Processing Speed: Online Computer-based cognitive training in older adults. Educational Gerontology , 38 (7), 445–458. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2011.559858

Smith, G. E., Housen, P., Yaffe, K., Ruff, R., Kennison, R. F., Mahncke, H. W., & Zelinski, E. M. (2009). A cognitive training program based on principles of brain plasticity: Results from the improvement in memory with plasticity‐based Adaptive Cognitive training (IMPACT) study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 57(4), 594–603. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2008.02167.x

Randy Kulman, Ph.D. , is a child clinical psychologist, parent of 5, and founder of LearningWorks for Kids. He is the author of Train Your Brain for Success and Playing Smarter in a Digital World .

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Dear ADDitude: How Can My Son Focus Better in Class?

“my 7 year old is highly distractible and struggles to complete in-class assignments without a teacher or aide sitting with him and guiding him. the incomplete work is piling up. what accommodations can help him learn to better focus on his own”.

ADDitude Answers

Many children with ADHD have executive function deficits – this includes planning, organization, and time management. Ask that your child be evaluated for these skills. If he has executive function deficits you can work with the school to create strategies to build these skills. One accommodation might be to reduce the amount of classwork, while making sure he still is practicing his skills each day.

Checklists are often helpful for children with ADHD. Your child’s teacher might laminate a paper on which she writes down in-class assignments. Your son can check off each one as he completes it. This should help him stay aware when he still has work to do. When all the work has been completed, the paper should be erased, ready to be used again the next day. You can also suggest a chart on which he receives a sticker for each day that all of his classwork is completed. At the end of the week, he gets a reward if he has received stickers each day.

Posted by Eileen Bailey Freelance writer, author specializing in ADHD, anxiety, and autism

This sounds more like executive functioning deficits, often seen in those with ADHD (my son has severe EF deficits). They impact the obvious skills of planning and organization, but it also impair task initiation, time management, working memory, and self-regulation. Check out this article about the condition: Executive Function Disorder Symptoms and Diagnosis.

If checklists are effective for your son, I’d create a checklist (with visuals) and have it laminated and taped to his desk. The teacher will need to support it until it becomes habit for him, but it could be very useful.

Additionally, at that age my son had a goal chart for school with rewards from his teacher. There were just two goals at a time. For your son, it might be completing work and turning in work. The chart has a row for every time period of the classroom schedule throughout the day (my son’s was 10 or 12). His teacher placed a sticker in each box where he met the goal throughout the day. This way he could see if he was doing well or if he needed to step up his game. If he got enough stickers at the end of each day she gave him a reward.

This worked very well when it was used. Once he was getting every sticker for a goal (or most) for several days in a row, that goal was replaced with a new one.

Here’s a resource center on school accommodations on ADDitudeMag.com: How to Level the Playing Field . Read through possible accommodations and make a list of those you think might help with what he’s currently struggling with, then propose them to your IEP or 504 committee.

Posted by Penny ADDitude community moderator, author on ADHD parenting, mom to teen boy with ADHD, LDs, and autism

[ Free Download: Solving Challenges in the Classroom ]

A Reader Answers

If your son’s problems are affecting a life function — like succeeding in school — they can be qualify him for an IEP under the ‘other health impaired’ classification. It sounds like your son’s executive functions are impaired. He is not able to complete tasks due to his disability. He is not able to follow the lesson due to inattention. Is be able to make friends? Can he sit still? Does he lose finished assignments and lose credit for them? All of this can be addressed in an IEP with a specific plan and goals to be met. He does not need to be failing or even doing poorly to qualify for the IEP. He will benefit from being in a class with an experienced special education teacher.

He should have no obstruction between him and the point of instruction, and sit near the teacher. The teacher should be assessing that he is following the lesson and have a predetermined method to reel him back in if he is distracted or his mind has wandered.

He should have extended time on assignments. Homework can be modified to lighten the load, to only even problems and things like that. Often, teachers will allow kids to answer questions without complete sentences, and will not take points off for spelling. The teacher should prompt your son to hand in assignments or start work on them.

He should have a behavior plan with positive — not negative — behavior supports in place that let him work towards rewards. If he has too much energy to focus, your son should be sent on some sort of errand to give him a chance to move around, like taking and envelope to the office.

Another thing that helps is having a fidget toy at his desk that can help him focus. Experiment with different ones. Be sure teachers are giving your son a message of understanding not judgement. Ask for weekly or more frequent quick updates from the teacher so you can fuss over his successes as well. Never take away recess as punishment.

These are a few that come to mind for now. Good luck. And push on for the IEP. The school is a lot more pressure to be sure goals are met and even though IEP and 504 are both legal documents, teachers tend to take IEP’s more seriously. Also, a 504 does not give your son access to a special education teacher. He can be placed in an inclusion or in class support room but he would fall under the regular ed teacher in the room.

Posted by Peacfldove

[ The Best Seat in the House for a Student with ADHD ]

If his ADHD is impacting him in the classroom, he should have an IEP so he can receive direct services.

Would a behavior chart or a reminder chart taped to his desk work? Something that is visual might remind your son what he needs to do.

For now, I would ask the teacher to give your son a simplified task list for assignments — First, do X. Second, do X. That could help him stay on track until more formal measures are in place. Then arrange for a small reward when he’s done, like a sticker.

Posted by Sporty

Outside of all the good ideas mentioned above — the one thing that was not mentioned is the medication.

It sounds like your son could be under-medicated. Doctors often start off with a low dosage and wait for parent feedback to see if it needs to be increased. Unfortunately, they don’t always communicate this to parents or the parents don’t know what behaviors to look for, so many times the medication is not at the most appropriate dose.

Being distracted is a key symptom of ADHD. It is one of the things that medication can really help. Does this happen all day long or only after a few hours? All medications have an approximate duration. For example, Adderall XR should last 6 to 10 hours. If it does not, it is a pretty good indication the dose is too low. This is something that you need to discuss with your doctor. This link has some good information on that subject: The Meaning of ADHD .

Posted by Sandman2

Maybe your son’s medication is not addressing all of his symptoms. That could indicate that the dose or medication is wrong. Talk to your pediatric psychiatrist.

Talk to his teacher about the possibility that he might be bored, too. If he is not able to focus enough to sit still it could be that he is finishing quickly and looking for something to do, or he could just have a lot of energy that is not being expelled.

My daughter does infinitely better in school when she does outside activities regularly. She has dance class two days a week. If there is soccer or some sport nearby he can participate in after school that may help. There is a cumulative effect when hyper kids learn how to use all that energy towards something physical. At this age your son should be trying lots of things and the sooner you find that one thing he likes the better you can leverage it. I don’t just mean, “Do well in school so you can play soccer.” Rather, set up his practices and play on days when you know he’s been sitting a long time in class. Don’t worry about wearing them out, ADHD brains need to be worn out!

And don’t discount intellectual pursuits. Once your son finds a hobby or interest he likes to think about, some of his energy can go towards thinking which takes a lot of energy. My daughter practically didn’t read at all, and it was awful trying to get her to sit still to read anything, until we discovered she loves dogs. Now she’ll sit still to read any dog book we can find.

You’re in good shape starting this process now though!

Posted by YellaRyan

They say that maturity-wise kids with ADHD lag about 3 years behind their peers, so it’s not at all surprising that he’s struggling.

With kids with ADHD the bar has to be set a lot lower. Your son’s not going to be able to keep up and finish the same amount of work as the other children no matter how much he may want to. He doesn’t have control of those impulses so new strategies are good as are rewards for good days. Kids thrive on praise.

One of my friends was advised to get her son a squeezy ball and that helped him. He really liked it. He uses it during class to help stay calmer.

Sitting in front of the class and getting some direct attention from the teacher helps.

Some children just have to be excused from class at times. In one situation the principal allows the child to come and visit until she feels more capable of cooperating.

Having the school understand and work with you isn’t easy at times, unfortunately. You’ll have a few years yet where that’s necessary. You may find you’re in the position of not only educating yourself about the condition, but the school as well.

Hopefully you’ll be able to work out some accommodations based on his needs that will work for everyone. Keep up the communication and make sure to involve the school counselor as much as possible. Best of luck and hang in there!! It will get easier over times.

Posted by Havebeenthere

We struggled with this issue for years and finally realized his accommodations had to include:

Teachers posting assignments online
Electronic submission of homework (either via email or the teacher’s web site)

I also had to insist that what was posted online was the final word, and my son would not lose points if the teacher neglected to update his/her site. With the assignments online, both my son’s tutor and I could access them and, together with my son, we would come up with a plan to get his work done at home.

These accommodations did not solve everything, and were not always followed to the letter, but they did reduce the stress of not knowing what was due when.

My son also was allowed extended time. However, in hindsight, I believe a reduced homework-load is preferable — catching up on past assignments while staying on top of current ones can quickly become overwhelming if not impossible.

If your child’s teacher does not have a site, request he or she email the assignments to you. Any worksheet can be scanned and emailed. You could also request an additional copy of whatever source teachers use for worksheets. We did this for one of my son’s classes — we had a home copy of the workbook that never left the house. The teacher posted the exercise and page numbers that needed to be completed online. We’d tear out the worksheet, my son would complete it, and then we’d scan and email it to the teacher.

Posted by RosemaryONeill

There are lots of pharmaceutical tools to use in the treatment of ADHD. Here some of the behavioral measures we have taken to help my seven-year-old son be successful in school and in life.

He is in orchestra where he plays the cello. He also attends music and movement class once a week. He loves both. He takes karate lessons twice a week as well as horseback riding. In the summer, he takes a swimming lesson every day for six weeks. These activities build him up physically and improve coordination and help him learn focus.

To help him in school, we’ve enlisted the help of a private tutor to help him stay on task. My son also attends a private school with only 18 kids per class instead of the usual 35 in the public schools. His classes are highly structured and every child is on a behavior plan.

We have eliminated artificial colors from his diet and strictly limit his consumption of sugar. He is given Omega 3 fatty acid supplements (800 mg/day), twice as much DHA as ARA (recommended by his doc). He gets a supplement containing iron and zinc. At night he gets 1 mg of Melatonin to ensure a good night’s sleep.

We make sure he gets a minimum of 10 hours of sleep per night. The room is kept dark and quiet. He has a bedtime routine that helps him get ready for bed. On nights when he is restless, we use meditation music deep breathing and progressive muscular relaxation to help him settle down.

For homework, we use timers for task completion and set strict limits for the amount of TV and computer time.

If this sounds rather regimented, it is. But, if it helps my son, so be it. We also give him Ritalin and I think that’s ok. It is the final piece of his treatment puzzle. Without it, I don’t think he would do as well in school as he does. I want to encourage you to consider the use of this medication in the event that all of these other treatments by themselves do not yield the results you are seeking for your son.

Approach it with a skeptical, but open mind. Be sure you get a doc that is willing to prescribe short acting Ritalin so that you can tailor the dose to your son’s individual needs. I would also avoid the use of antidepressants as they produce a higher incidence of side effects such as irritability, insomnia, and mania.

I hope this information is helpful.

Posted by SueH

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10 Homework & Study Tips For Kids With ADD/ADHD
School Year Success: Homework Tips for your Child with ADD or ADHD
14 ways to Help Your ADHD Kid with homework
6 Genius Strategies to Help Kids Focus on Homework
How To Help Add Child Focus On Homework
17 Ways to Help Students With ADHD Concentrate

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#Adhd #Homework
Why video games engage ADHDers more than homework #adhd
How fixing teaching for kids with ADHD is a win for everyone
What Parents Definitely Need To Know About Homework For ADHD Kids
How to focus and why you can't
HOMESCHOOLING ADHD

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10 Homework & Study Tips for Students with ADHD/ADD
The bedroom is a place for sleep, rest, and relaxation — not work and stress. 2. Create a consistent schedule. It is important for kids with ADD/ADHD to have a consistent routine. This will help your child start his or her homework and focus. Set a time each day for your child to sit down and complete his or her work. 3.
ADHD Homework Helper: 13 Easy Study Skills
Physical activity breaks. Accommodation for reduced homework. A reminder note or a timer to let the child know when it's time to start. Limiting homework time to an hour total, doing it in 10-minute bursts. Parent writes down child's responses to questions. Having a snack before starting homework.
Increase Focus: Techniques for Distracted Students with ADHD
To increase focus, seat kids with ADHD away from distractions, such as doors, windows, and high-traffic areas. Surround them with well-behaved classmates. Arrange the room furniture so you can circulate freely and have access to all students — your movement will hold their interest and allow you to redirect a student whose attention drifts.
How to Focus on Homework with ADHD
Schedule a five-minute break for every 20 minutes of work. Short, frequent breaks help children with ADHD recharge. Respect your child's "saturation point.". If he's too tired or frustrated to finish his homework, let him stop. Write a note to the teacher explaining that he did as much as he could.
10 Concentration and Focus Building Techniques for Children with ADHD
Mazes are great for concentration, planning, sequencing, processing speed and visual-motor integration. 9. Puzzle Games. Puzzle games are very good for kids with ADHD or learning disabilities because they help build that brain muscle we were talking about, as do all these exercises.
6 Ways to Improve Study Habits For Kids with ADHD
6 Ways a Child With ADHD Can Study Better. Medically Reviewed by Smitha Bhandari, MD on March 13, 2024. Written by R. Morgan Griffin. 1. Set up a homework station. 2. Break up study time. 3. Stay ...
School Success Kit for Kids With ADHD
Here are a few suggestions for tools and strategies to help kids with ADHD get set for success. First, get the materials you'll need. Find, and test, a good planner or calendar so your child can get comfortable using it. There are lots of other tools that can help kids stay on time and on task. Get back-ups of items that often get lost.
Schoolwork at Home with ADHD
Set a timer for 25 minutes. After the 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break. After four "pomodoros" (or 25-minute chunks), take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. There are several apps that help keep track of pomodoros, such as "PomoDone," "Focus Keeper," or "Marinara Timer.". For younger children, or teenagers with severe ADHD, this ...
How to Focus With ADHD
Breathe: Get in the habit of practicing deep breathing. This will help calm the nervous system. In addition, regular meditation practice may increase focus and decrease stress. Do one task at a time: Focus on one task at a time at work. This reduces anxiety and nervousness surrounding completing all the daily tasks.
7 reasons kids with ADHD often rush through homework
Here are some of the most common reasons kids with ADHD race through their homework assignments. 1. Trouble holding on to information. Trouble with working memory can make it hard for kids with ADHD to keep information in mind as they do their homework. Instead of taking their time to think through their answers, they might scribble them out as ...
20 essential things to help kids with ADHD build focus
To conserve brain energy and actually build focus, they need to focus on nothing else other than their work until it is done. 2. Practice focus. Like any skill, kids need to practice the skill to master the skill. If we want to work on improving focus, we need to practice focusing for longer periods of time.
Doing Homework When You Have ADHD Is Painful
School & Learning. Homework & Studying. The Homework System That Really Works. ADHD and homework mix like oil and water. All of the little details — from writing down assignments to remembering due dates — require intense focus and memory. With these routines, teachers and parents can replace after-school tantrums with higher grades.
3 Homework Strategies for Teens With ADHD
For an assignment that requires a longer time to complete, set the timer for the duration of your child's attention span. If she can work on one task for 30 minutes, set the timer for 30 minutes ...
How to Help Your ADHD Child Complete Their Homework
Establishing a structured routine that is followed every single day your child has homework is one of the most important ways to ensure that homework gets done. First of all, there needs to be a ...
My child has ADHD. How can I make homework easier?
8 Homework Strategies for the ADHD Student. Article at a Glance. ADHD means kids learn differently, so different strategies are needed. Counter-intuitive moves like more breaks, wearing headphones, or racing can help. Play to your child's strengths and be flexible within a consistent framework. Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder ...
3 Ways to Help a Child with ADHD Do Homework
Preparing for Homework at School. 1. Give the child ample time to write down the assignment. You can support the child with ADHD by giving them ample time to write down their homework assignments in their notebook. The child's teacher should post the day's assignments on the board and read them out loud to the class.
How to Help a Child with ADHD Improve Focus and Task Completion
Students with an ADHD diagnosis have to work hard to stay on task and focused. If you need help supporting your child's needs, call Huntington. Our ADHD instructional strategies and customized programs can help your child boost his or her skills and do better in school. Call 1 800 CAN LEARN today. About Huntington
Easily Distracted at School? Focus Tips for Children with ADHD
Establish a daily homework routine. Some children need to take a break between school and homework or may need frequent breaks between assignments. Figure out what works best for your child in order to help her avoid distractions and procrastination. Help your kid with ADHD "set up" in a distraction-free environment
14 ways to Help Your ADHD Kid with homework
4. Create an inviting study space. ADHD homework battles can be helped immensely with ADHD homework tip #4 - creating a dedicated study space. Ideally the space is free of distractions and quiet, with all needed supplies at close hand. Think outside the box with this one- A study space does not have to be a desk.
ADHD and Homework: How To Get Kids To Focus
To help your child stay on track, consider setting up a designated homework space that's free of distractions. It doesn't have to be anything fancy - just a small desk or table with a few supplies will do. ... ADHD and Homework: Your Child Can Focus With the Right Tools. ADHD and homework might seem like an impossible combination, but ...
Homework Help for ADHD
Use a timer to manage attention: Schedule 5-10 minute breaks to allow time for your child to move around and grab a healthy snack and drink to energize. Work with your child to see when and how often breaks are needed. Check homework with your child. Praise your child for effort and be specific in your praise:
Succeed in High School with ADHD: Homework, Organization ...
Immediately after a difficult class, review your notes. Then read them again in the evening. Reviewing notes on the day you take them can double the amount of information you retain. Multitask — quietly. Do your homework or read in class, if it helps you to focus. (Consider sitting in the front, to avoid distractions.)
How To Tell Your Child That They Have ADHD
For some kids with ADHD, moving while they work can help them focus." Severson also recommends ADHD expert Dr. Edward Hallowell 's description of ADHD as "a turbo charged mind — like a ...
Can Video Games Improve Processing Speed in Children?
Traditional interventions for children with slow processing speed and ADHD involve the use of accommodations and alternative teaching strategies. For the most part, educators do not make any ...
How to Help Students with ADHD Focus in Class
One accommodation might be to reduce the amount of classwork, while making sure he still is practicing his skills each day. Checklists are often helpful for children with ADHD. Your child's teacher might laminate a paper on which she writes down in-class assignments. Your son can check off each one as he completes it.