Homeschooling a Child with ADHD

Many hopeful young parents dream of the bright future they can build for their child through home schooling. It’s easy to picture the idyllic scene of your children learning math facts around the kitchen table. You may dream of reading books together in a cozy chair and the joy of watching your child discover new things.

But sometimes that dream gets derailed when you throw ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) into the mix. While it might feel like a wild ride some days, it’s also an opportunity to create a learning environment that is uniquely tailored and built around your child’s unique needs and interests.

Home schooling a child with ADHD can make more sense than putting them in a more traditional classroom model. You might feel overwhelmed by the unique challenges of ADHD. But consider this: although you may not be specially trained as an educator, you’ve had years of experience being your child’s parent.

A traditional school may not be the right fit for your child. At home, you can build a schedule that includes breaks when your child needs to move around. You can also incorporate hands-on activities that keep them engaged and give them one-on-one attention that might not be practical or possible in a larger classroom. When your child starts zoning out, in a home schooling environment, you can switch gears (and no permission slip or special accommodations are needed).

The possible benefits of home schooling your child with ADHD are endless, but that’s probably not what you’re here to learn. If you’re here, you’re likely worried about jumping into home schooling or perhaps already struggling with home schooling a child with ADHD. However, it can be done and your child can thrive. Here are some tips that might help make the process less frustrating and more fruitful for both you and your child.

Be flexible

One of the biggest advantages of choosing to homeschool your child with ADHD is the ability to create a schedule that works for you and your child. Traditional schools often follow rigid routines which can be tough on kids with ADHD. At home, you can tailor the day to their energy levels.

If your child is bouncing off the walls in the morning, maybe that’s a great time to fit in a PE class such as jumping on the trampoline or going for a walk in the park. If they focus better in the afternoon, this is the ideal time to tackle some of the heavier academic work.

Adjusting your instructional time around your child’s natural schedule will help the day go smoother. While consistency is important, it’s also important to be willing to be flexible and adjust your schedule to meet your child’s changing needs and internal clocks.

Create the right environment

This one can be tricky because there isn’t a universally accepted “right environment” that fits each student. For some kids, a study environment that is quiet and free of stimulation is perfect for studying. For other students, a lack of stimulation or engaging surroundings can lead to boredom.

It’s important to find the balance for your unique child. To find this sweet spot, pay attention to how your child responds to different settings and determine what stimuli, such as noise, visual clutter, or movement, seem to distract or engage them. Typically speaking, a child with ADHD should be in a classroom that is decorated minimally to eliminate distractions, but this is not true for every child with ADHD.

Break lessons into manageable segments

One of the superpowers that ADHD kids possess is their love of diving headfirst into something exciting. But they also get bored rather quickly. To harness and make the most of these bursts of concentration and enthusiasm, break tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. It might also be helpful to make a list of actionable steps for the child to follow each day. Many people with ADHD work well when given a step-by-step guide to help them succeed.

Integrate movement

Most children with ADHD aren’t wired to sit still for long periods of time. Instead of trying to make your child fit into the traditional school model of “sitting still,” embrace their need to move. Use movement to help illustrate points in a lesson, give periodic “dance breaks” between subjects, or teach the multiplication table while doing jumping jacks.

Consider using a standing desk or a wobble chair to give your child a chance to wiggle while they work. Don’t fight your child’s natural desire to keep moving. Use it to your advantage and to help your child focus.

Incorporate hands-on learning

Many kids with ADHD thrive in interactive learning. Remember that you’re homeschooling, not recreating traditional school at home. This gives you a lot of freedom to incorporate hands-on projects, experiments, and activities that might not be practical in a traditional school setting.

Building models or creating art can help keep your child’s attention and make learning fun. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your child. Get your hands messy by making a finger paint masterpiece or turn those single socks (where DO those socks go in the dryer?) into a puppet. You can even turn cooking dinner into a math lesson. Keeping your child engaged will help them learn and retain information.

Use technology strategically

There is strong and compelling evidence that technology can be a powerful tool for kids with ADHD. Educational apps, games, and videos can capture their attention in ways traditional methods fall short. But technology can also become a distraction, so it’s important to set clear and healthy boundaries around its use. Use timers or set reasonable goals when it comes to screen time so that it stays productive and doesn’t turn into an all-night gaming marathon.

Save the questions for later

Kids with ADHD are full of awesome, creative, and sometimes off-the-wall thoughts that can pop into those cute heads of theirs at any given moment. Instead of cutting off their creativity, save those creative ideas for later.

When your child gets sidetracked in the middle of a lesson, because they just have to know if giraffes have best friends or how astronauts go to the bathroom, jot down the idea in a journal. Assure them that you will circle back around to those interesting ideas at the end of the day.

This will help them refocus on the task at hand while giving their brain the space to explore those fascinating and sometimes hilarious ideas at a later (and more appropriate time). Plus, you might even learn some interesting facts like what dogs dream about.

Allowing fidgeting

Sometimes sitting still is just not happening and that’s okay. Do you really want to fight the fidget battle and MATH at the same time? When your child’s hands have something to do, sometimes their ADHD brain works just a little better.

Have a small basket or bin full of fidget spinners, squishy toys, or stress balls at their disposal. A fidget toy can help your child to stay focused. So, even if it appears that they’re not focused on what you’re saying, but only on that blob of putty in their hands, take heart. They are probably hearing and more importantly, comprehending more than you think.

Let them teach

Kids with ADHD thrive when engaged. After they learn a new concept, have them explain it to you. When they’re driving the lesson, not only will they be more engaged, but it might boost their self-esteem. Kids with ADHD often struggle with self-esteem issues but being in the “teacher seat” can make them feel capable, proud, and accomplished.

Just remember, homeschooling doesn’t define you as a good parent. Pointing your child toward God, advocating for your child, being flexible, and putting aside your own biases to truly do what is best for your child is what matters.

Homeschooling isn’t for everyone, nor is it a “one-size-fits-all solution” to all your behavioral and academic woes and that’s okay. If you have tried homeschooling and feel it is not a good fit or you are considering switching to a more traditional school model, know that you have not failed. You’re just doing what a good parent does; making choices that best support your child’s needs.

If you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure, don’t hesitate to seek out counseling or support from a therapist for you and your child. Sometimes an outside perspective can help guide you to what works best for your family. The Christian counselors at our location are ready to help. Call to make an appointment today.