Every child will likely have trouble with homework at some point. But for children with ADHD, the problem can go beyond a few assignments. Students with ADHD often face challenges with focus, patience, and organization. These challenges can make it hard for students to perform to their full potential in and out of the classroom.
Helping Your Child Tackle Homework
Children with ADHD can be hasty, rushing through their homework and making mistakes. They may lose homework, struggle to organize thoughts and tasks, and fail to plan ahead.
The challenges your child faces can be overcome with practised habits and proper study skills for ADHD students. With these 10 ADHD Homework Tips, your child can learn how to focus on homework, get better grades, and build their confidence!
Learn how you can help improve your child’s academic skills with these homework and study tips for kids with ADHD
Study Strategies for Students with ADHD
1. Create a homework-only space
Children with ADHD can be easily distracted by their surroundings. Find a comfortable place where your child can work with few distractions. Use this as a quiet study space away from noise and movement where your child can clear his or her mind and focus.
Homework Tip:
Don’t do homework in the bedroom. 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 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 their work.
3. Study in spurts
ADHD can make it hard to focus, so breaks are a must. Studying in short spurts can help. Give your child regular breaks from homework for a snack or a walk, and let the mind refresh and reset! This will give your child a chance to burn off extra energy and improve concentration when he or she returns.
Help your child succeed—see the ultimate study guide here.
4. Get the teacher involved
It’s hard to always know what is happening with your child at school. Talking to the teacher can help make sure you’re informed. Ask the teacher about sending regular reports on your child and updates on homework assignments. If possible, meet with them every few weeks for progress reports. Knowing what is going on in the classroom can help you and your child’s teacher make changes to make sure your child is learning effectively.
5. Get Organized
Organize school supplies and make checklists and schedules for homework and assignments. Help your child get his or her bag ready for school the next morning and make sure all homework is complete. You can make organization fun for your child with coloured folders, special pencils, stickers and cool labels.
6. Show Support
Encourage your child to always try their best. Although your child should be completing their work independently, it is okay to help when asked. Help your child look at challenges in a positive light to keep them motivated. This will show that you are willing to always help them do better.
7. Understand how your child learns
Whether it is auditory, kinesthetic or visual, knowing how your child learns is important. Change studying habits to fit his or her learning style with graphs, visuals, music, walking, or talking out loud. Every child learns differently. Studying in a way that works for him or her can help improve understanding and retention.
Read our Complete Study Guide For Every Type Of Learner for more study tips!
8. Know when it’s time to quit
Children with ADHD can become easily frustrated and overwhelmed. Encourage your child to keep going as long as they can, but don’t push your child too much. If they have hit their limit, stop for the night. If homework hasn’t been completed for the following school day, send the teacher a note to explain.
9. Offer praise and positive feedback
Congratulate your child after they finish their homework. You can also do something special, like a small treat or trip to the park. Even if your child did not finish the work, praise their efforts and set a new goal for the next day.
10. Move around
Sitting for long periods of time can be challenging for students with ADHD. Letting your child get up to move around can help him or her maintain focus. Try making studying a physical activity by having your child count steps while practising addition and subtraction. Having something to fidget with while working can also help. Stress balls are a great item that your child can take with them wherever they go.
Children Can Succeed With The Right ADHD Study Skills
Children with ADHD can, at times, feel that they cannot control their own actions. They can become easily distracted, which can lead to poor grades, frustration, and disappointment. These ADHD study tips will help your child conquer these academic challenges, with improved concentration, time management and organizational skills. Most importantly, they will also help boost self-esteem and confidence.
Remember, these changes won’t happen overnight. It will take time for your child to adjust to new routines and habits. Once you and your child understand how to study and do homework with ADHD, your child will be on the way to more effective learning.
Does your child struggle with a learning difficulty? Find out more about Oxford Learning’s Learning Difficulties Tutoring programs.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2026 to be compliant with updated ADHD terminology.
