Kenna FI remember sitting at the table doing homework for hours. I constantly had to take schoolwork home because I had a hard time finishing worksheets during class. Even though home was less distracting than a classroom, I still had a difficult time focusing. I would spend hours at the table trying to finish an assignment that took other students less than an hour in class, even though I excelled in understanding the concepts in each assignment. As an undiagnosed ADHDer, I didn’t understand why I needed so much time to complete assignments.
Homework requires a variety of executive functioning skills, like being able to motivate yourself, planning and problem-solving, and working memory. People with ADHD face many executive functioning challenges that can make homework feel incredibly overwhelming. By providing support, your ADHD child can experience fewer meltdowns and more enjoyment during homework time.
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Break Down Tasks Into Smaller Steps
Executive functioning skills help us plan how we’re going to complete a task and make adjustments if they are needed. People with ADHD may have a difficult time starting a task. By breaking a task down into small steps for your child, you can help them feel more confident about starting their assignment. If they’re doing a long math worksheet, it may also help to cover part of their page with another sheet of paper to make sure they can focus on one problem at a time. To help them focus on the most important parts of a question, help them practice highlighting key words and numbers.
Working Memory
Working memory, an important executive function, helps us hold onto a few details so that we can use them when we need them. For example, when your child is trying to solve a math problem, they need their working memory to hold onto relevant numbers, what operation is being used, and any specific requests the teacher has written (ex., circling your final answer). One way you can support your child’s working memory is by creating visual prompts they can use to remember the next steps. If you’d like to learn more about creating visual schedules to support working memory, please check out our Get It Out of Your Head course!
Managing Distractions and Having Fun
There are so many more fun things to do than completing a homework assignment. Even as adults, we often find ourselves dreading homework-like tasks like bills, emails, and chores. For children with ADHD, creating a scheduled time for homework each night in a space away from distractions can help. We can also try to make homework more fun by providing rewards, creating timed challenges, and including a favourite snack (this is also a great way to prevent hunger-related upset). While homework time might never become your child’s favourite activity, we can help to minimize the dread.
Emotional Overwhelm
ADHDers have a difficult time regulating their emotions, and homework can be very overwhelming. This means that homework can lead to big meltdowns. Your child might be overwhelmed by a part of the assignment they don’t understand, upset that they don’t remember how to do something, and irritated that they can’t go do something more enjoyable. They also might not be able to identify what they are feeling, as many ADHDers struggle to identify their emotion. By helping your child practice identifying their emotions and using emotional regulation strategies, you can help your child cope with overwhelm. Also, identifying and understanding common emotional triggers for your child can help you reduce meltdowns in the future.
ADHD Homework Survival Guide
To make homework time more fun and less overwhelming for both you and your child, Annelize de Koker, an ADHD mom, created the ADHD Homework Survival Guide. This guide will help you address executive dysfunction and resistance during homework time. For only $10 USD, you’ll receive:
- 5-Step Quick Start Guide – Simple, ADHD-friendly steps to set up a smooth homework routine.
- Timer Cards: Beat the Clock, Boost the Focus – Make time management visual and fun
- Calm Down Cards – Easy resets when overwhelm strikes
- Homework Station Setup Guide – Create a distraction-free zone that works
- Fix it Fun Framework – Get your child to actually redo mistakes without resistance
- Error Detective Sheet – Helps kids catch their own mistakes (and boosts confidence)
- Mini Mastery Tracker – Build momentum with small wins they can see.
- Celebrate & Reward Menu – ADHD-friendly motivation that actually works
- Weekly Homework Plan – Structure without overwhelm
- Micro Goal Cards (Just 5 Minutes!) – Break big tasks into bite-sized wins
- Distraction Busters Plan – Practical strategies to keep focus strong.
- Homework Troubleshooting Flowchart – Fast fixes when things go off track
- Quick Teacher Email Templates – Communicate with teachers without stress
- Homework Accommodation Ideas Cheat Sheet – Support your child the smart way
- Parent Notes – Gentle reminders so you stay calm and consistent
Comment Below
Comment below to let us know your favourite strategy for homework with your ADHD child!
