The Finish Line

The Finish Line

Completion of assignments brings a reward. Have your child choose a reward from the "Privilege List" or “Super Star Reward Box” reserved for special efforts.

Finishing a task is an essential skill that all of us must learn in order to be successful in life. Lecturing a child will not help them finish a task, in fact, it may invite a power struggle so scheduling a time for homework to be started and finished will be important. It is vital that you be concrete and specific in asking for compliance with a request. Say, "I want you to stop playing with your cars and I want you to start clearing the table so you can do your homework. Telling a child what you would like them to stop doing, and then bridging the information gap with what you would like the to start doing is very helpful. It makes transitions easier. Remember: transitions are not easy for children with AD/HD.

Use pictures if you like to demonstrate what the child is to do. Usually, children love to be photographed doing different activities, so photograph them eating, brushing teeth, packing up the book bag, and make a chart for them using photographs of themselves!

When a room is cluttered, it serves as a distraction. If possible, divide a room into distinct areas of use: a place to read, a place to do puzzles, a place to watch television, or a place to rest. Use colorful plastic bins with each child's name on them for loose items such as crayons, markers, drawing paper, or other related items. The rule is that no one may borrow from anyone's bin without asking permission first.
Make sure that your child is clearly rewarded for the successful completion of each task by using verbal praise instead of traditional stickers, candy, or the like. Say, "You are showing me how grown up you are becoming when you make good choices about how to finish your chores." This will go a long way to reinforcing this kind of behavior.