Kids with ADHD struggle with self-activation, which primarily shows up as a "lack of motivation." Without a strong motivator, it's hard for ADHD kids to get ANYTHING done – sometimes, even if it's something they really want to do. It's often not that easy to get things done.

While there are thousands of strategies, the most important thing to understand is that generally speaking, kids want to please. They want to be successful. They're not lazy, crazy, or stupid. It is very hard for them to get activated, and then to focus, and then to sustain the effort. It can take a lot of energy and focus, which is often not that easy.

One simple homework assignment requires a huge amount of executive function. So it's NOT that easy, or they'd probably just do it. If you have excellent executive functioning skills, you may look at your child as you repeat directions to finish the assignment for the 10th time and think they are just being lazy. But please remember, for your sake and theirs, that it isn't a laziness issue. 

As a parent, it's hard to remember this and it can be frustrating. After all, sometimes kids really do LOOK like they're being lazy when they won't get up and take care of a simple task or request. But whenever you ask your child to do something "simple," and you're met with resistance, ask yourself, "what are the steps involved?" or "what part of this might be difficult?" Just a little understanding – helping to break simple tasks down into smaller parts – will help your child learn to take on the simple stuff. This, in turn, helps you to have the appropriate level of expectations and helps them feel success by completing more attainable, smaller tasks. Who knows – they might even get to please you in the process!