Let’s take a moment to redefine homework. Traditionally, the dictionary describes it as schoolwork expected to be completed at home. However, I prefer a more relatable take:
Homework /ˈhōmˌwərk/ noun
1. A medieval torture device designed to create chaos in family life.
2. The primary source of parental mood swings, caffeine dependency, and wine consumption.
3. A relentless killer of trees.
Kidding aside, I understand the purpose of homework. It’s crucial for kids to practice the new skills they’ve been taught. But when it comes to helping my child, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the struggle is real. Here are ten reasons why I find this process excruciating:
- Patience Is Not My Virtue. My kid’s attention challenges combined with my impatience create an explosive mix. I try my best to keep my cool, but mentally, I’m channeling my inner villain. I often wonder if they’d focus more if I had lasers on my sharks.
- Reality Check on Their Abilities. Working on homework makes it painfully clear that my kids aren’t prodigies; they’re just regular kids grappling with basic concepts. It’s a tough pill to swallow when I realize they’re not the next Einstein but are instead struggling with simple addition.
- Organizational Catastrophe. My child often forgets assignments or stashes papers in the abyss of their backpack. No matter how many fun organization tips I share, all I get back is a blank stare and visions of my child as a future hoarder.
- Teaching Methods Have Changed. With the introduction of new teaching strategies, my attempts to help often end up in confusion. When I ask how the teacher wants a problem solved, the answer is usually a blank stare. It’s a miracle my eyes haven’t rolled into another dimension.
- Selective Hearing. Explaining homework feels like talking to a wall. My child’s attention drifts elsewhere, and I find myself repeating instructions as if I’m trapped in a loop. It’s like I’m trying to reach Dory from Finding Nemo.
- Dependency on My Help. Homework sessions often turn into a battle of wills. After we tackle a problem together, my child insists I do the next one with them. It’s as if they’re addicted to my guidance, constantly trying to escape from “figure it out” rehab.
- Whining and Complaining. “It’s too hard! This is boring! My life is over!” My kid can easily spiral into a dramatic outburst, insisting that they’re right even when their answers are wildly incorrect. “Two plus two is five, Mom!”
- Juggling Family Chaos. I know I should prioritize my kids, but with three of them, homework time feels like a circus. I’m often trying to manage my youngest, who thinks they’re helping by coloring over their sibling’s work.
- Homework Overload. My elementary school child faces about an hour and a half of homework each night. I don’t recall such a heavy workload when I was their age. Instead of family fun, we’re stuck in homework purgatory.
- The Battle of Compliance. My child is aware that homework is a must. Yet, when I ask them to sit down, they quickly find distractions. Without supervision, they might write down nonsense, and I fear what I might find—maybe “I like bananas” will be one of the answers.
Despite the chaos, I help my ADHD child with homework every school night. I often feel like I’m living in a never-ending loop, filled with frustration and clenched fists. Yet, there’s a glimmer of hope: that moment when everything clicks and the homework suddenly makes sense. It’s like a mini-victory each day, reminding me that despite the struggles, we’re making progress together.
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Summary
Helping my ADHD child with homework is a challenging endeavor filled with frustration, distractions, and the occasional glimmer of understanding. Even though it can feel like a battle, those moments of clarity make it all worthwhile.
Keyphrase: ADHD homework struggles
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