Is ADHD Keeping Your Child From Finishing Homework?


My attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) seven-year-old has problems doing work independently. He sits passively at his desk and won't complete his school assignments. How do I motivate him?


Children with ADHD often have trouble staying focused and productive during independent work time. A strategy that helps many children is the “beat-the-clock system.” During a 20-minute independent work period, the teacher divides the time into shorter segments (say, two 10-minute sessions), and sets mini-goals for each of the sessions.

For example, the student may be asked to write two complete sentences or to do one row of math problems. Then the teacher sets a timer to go off after 10 minutes.

If the task is completed on time, the student earns a reward, such as a sticker or star to be placed on a progress chart that he keeps at his desk. After earning several stickers or stars, he gets a bigger reward. To increase his motivation, let your child choose his own reward.
