Parents almost always are on opposite sides of the battle when it comes to ensuring that their children complete homework and chores. When it comes to children with ADHD, things are a little different. Children with ADHD have difficulties starting and finishing tasks, making completing homework and chores that much more difficult. However, there are ways to motivate children with ADHD to finish not only homework but chores as well. Check out these tips from the experts at Fatherly.com.
1. Even a little bit of understanding goes a long way
Listen to what your children are saying and meet them where they are. When they appear disinterested and unable to start or finish a task or homework assignment, talk to them and find out what might be getting in their way. Remember, ADHD and anxiety go hand-in-hand and they just might be a little bit overwhelmed. Once you find out what the problem may be, then you can all find a solution together.
2. Break large goals into smaller manageable ones
Children with ADHD cannot usually handle large goals at one time. Breaking goals into smaller more manageable ones can not only lead to getting things done, doing this can also make the child feel a sense of accomplishment.
“Plenty of projects can be broken down into discrete parts, and writing them down on a piece of paper or a whiteboard can help free up brain space and encourage your child to focus on one step at a time,” said Carey Heller, Psy.D., a Maryland-based psychologist who specializes in childhood and adolescent ADHD, to Fatherly.com.
3. Create a routing
“Creating structure is really important,” Heller said. “For example, if a child is reading for fun, or playing a game of some kind, suddenly being surprised by parents saying ‘It’s time to do homework’ may make them yell or react a little more strongly because of the difficulty shifting attention, rather than it being that they truly don’t want to do it.”
Establishing routines will not catch kids of guard, and it will help them create a familiar “work-flow” of things that they need to accomplish. Familiarity with the flow is the key to success!
4. Set reminders when you can
Keeping children organized and focused on the tasks at hand is key. Setting reminders of what tasks need to be done, will help more than you realize. This will keep kids on task and help to get things done. So, don’t be shy to add alarms/alerts on smart phones, make a chart, download a calendar app, use virtual assistants, etc. Whatever way you choose to set a reminder of what they need to do, go ahead and do so. You will be surprised and just how much this will help keep things moving in a good way.
5. Remember, you are there to guide them and help
“Helping your child manage their ADHD is all about parenting for independence,” Heller said. Heller encourages parents to develop strategies that their children and teens can take into adulthood and use themselves.
Remember, you are their to guide them, model behaviors, and make sure that you are setting everyone up for success.
Do you have any tips of your own that have worked and you would like to share? Remember, it takes a village! Sound-off, and comment below. We want to hear from you.
