Tackling Homework Struggles: Take a Brain Break!
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It's Been a Long Day
When kids get home after a long day at school, they generally need a little time to decompress before starting in on homework.
Now, you might want to get right on it because they are still in school mode or because you want to take advantage of medications still on board! But seriously, these kids have been holding it together all day, trying to pay attention, stand in line, follow directions, and figure out what their friends are talking about (or how to make friends in the first place).
They need a break! And a snack. Maybe time to connect with you, or friends from home.
They need a chance to have something in their life other than school, even if it's only for a little while. Then, when it's time to get started, help them kick-start their brains with some physical activity.
Once They Get Started...
Have you ever been in a situation where your kid took 3 hours to do 10 minutes of homework? I have!
Our tendency is to try to push them through the work, to focus on getting it done. But what they might really need more than that is to stop.
Although the ADHD brain seems to run a million miles an hour, it gets easily fatigued. Frequent breaks are a must to refresh and re-engage – and avoid the boredom that comes from working on the same thing for hours. Even if your kid isn't struggling, frequent breaks can keep things moving forward at a steady pace.
So take a brain break! Do some jumping jacks, have a tickle fight, eat a snack, or sing a song. If you think your child can do it without getting sucked in, watch a silly 3 minute YouTube video. Keep the brain fresh and engaged to get the work done more easily, and take a brain break. BTW: this tip will work for you as well, whether your challenge is an ADHD brain or just a tired, worn-out parent!
