Behavioral Techniques for Attention

Does anyone know of behavioral techniques that a 10 year old can employ on her own to maintain attention while doing homework?

[Adhd-mom]

I have tried numerous things with my son over the years and I can tell you that if he did not want to try it, it didn’t happen. But, after years of me trying to suggest these to him (which he would describe as nagging lol) I have recently noticed that he was actually listening ! He has incorporated some of the strategies that he feels works for him. One thing that helped was having a dedicated home work area. In this space all the supplies he could possibly need are readily available (so no need to wander off to look for something). We had a white noise machine at first, but he has noticed that he does better with soft instrumental music playing. The biggest help was having a timer/ clock. He has one where he can easily see how much time has passed. He sets a goal before he starts (ie. I will aim to get x math problems does in xx minutes. Or I will spend xx minutes studying for my quiz and then move to the next subject). When studying sometimes he will walk around instead of sitting. Writing out flash cards has helped. And as far as finding a homework area he tried several spots in the house over the years until he found one that worked for him. I always remember reading in a book (can’t remember which one) that a girl with adhd would be able to concentrate the most doing homework sitting on the floor in the kitchen while the dishwasher was on. I guess the noise/movement helped her focus. I guess my dishwasher is quiet so that didn’t work for him lol.

When we first started with all this I would pick out spots that I thought would be good. The problem was that it was places or strategies that worked for my study style - not his.

Good luck. I’m sure you’ll get better/additional suggestions from other members. Eventually she will find something that works for her.

[Hidden in reply to Adhd-mom]

Thanks so much! She is the same....won't try unless she wants to try. She only wants to do things she perceives as "what normal 10 Year old girls do". I'll try creating these environments without saying anything and see how it goes. Thanks again!