homework problems | ADHD Information

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My son is in 3rd grade, but in advanced math(4th). He was doing just fine and has an A in the class, but lately he has been fighting doing the homework. They just started double digit multiplication, and for some reason he has trouble focusing on this, and he accidentaly adds the carried number twice. Last night it took him 4 hours to finish his homework, because he kept saying he needed a break and would leave the table. He said he brain felt like it was dissintegrating. He was really upset, and wouldn't even let me talk to him. He gets so mad sometimes. I didn't think he would ever get it done. He didn't get to bed until 10 pm when my dh comes home. He teaches 2 nights a week, and those are the hardest nights. Austin even told me might before bed he felt hyper. Sometimes instead of getting out energy, physical activity makes him more hyper. He just seems like he can't focus on homework.He can focus fine on things he likes, thats what I don't understand. Any tips on how to end the homework battles? I was so tired and drained by the time I went to sleep at 12:30.

Four hours is far too long for him to struggle with homework.  After 1 1/2 hours max, he should be done with all of his homework, whether he's done or not.  At that point, his brain is done, and the more you try to get him to focus, the more unfocused he will become.  Remember, he spent 6-7 hours doing school work in school, is it reasonable to expect him to do another 4 hours at home?  We adults work 8 hour days, why would you expect a young child to work 10+?

You need to give him breaks when he starts losing focus.  Let him do something physical for 10 minutes, then come back and work.  Another little trick is to tell him to work for 20 minutes and get as much done as he can with good quality, and if he does, you will give him a few M&Ms or some other small treat.

Maybe he just isn't ready to learn double digit mutliplication in 3rd grade, it's developmentally inappropriate to expect that of him.  I would not push it at all.  When he comes back to it next year, it may just click and he won't have any trouble with it.  It's pointless to stress over something that he just can't get his brain around yet.  Let it go.  It isn't worth it!