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Key points
- Teens with ADHD often struggle with racing thoughts and procrastination, leading to late homework.
- A rigid schedule is essential for teens with ADHD to manage time and stay on track academically.
- An executive functioning coach offers tailored strategies to boost organization and time management.
- Parents must enforce schedules and support teens, recognizing ADHD as the root, not lack of effort.
Parenting a teenager with ADHD includes unique challenges, particularly when it comes to helping them stay organized with their schoolwork. If your child frequently struggles with completing homework on time or turning it in once it's done, you're not alone. This issue is common among teens with ADHD, who often find themselves trapped in a cycle of racing thoughts and procrastination. They may tell themselves that they will get to their homework later, but "later" never seems to come. This pattern can lead to academic difficulties, increased stress, and feelings of failure for both the teen and the parents, who want nothing more than to see their child succeed.
ADHD is not just about being hyperactive or easily distracted; it's about how the brain processes and manages tasks. For adolescents, schoolwork becomes a battleground where their struggles with attention, focus, and organization play out daily. The pressure to keep up with assignments can be overwhelming, and when racing thoughts take over, they quickly lose track of what needs to be done. Despite their best intentions, they often find themselves caught in a loop of delaying tasks, promising to do them later, and then feeling frustrated when they can't follow through.
The Burden of Racing Thoughts
One of the most challenging aspects of ADHD is the relentless nature of racing thoughts. For a teenager, this can mean a constant stream of ideas, worries, and distractions running through their mind. Regarding schoolwork, these thoughts can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, a flood of ideas might spark creativity or new ways of approaching a project.
On the other hand, it can make it nearly impossible to focus on one task at a time, leading to disorganization and incomplete work.
Imagine your teen sitting down to do their homework, only to be bombarded by thoughts of everything else they need to do, the conversations they had that day, or even what they want to eat for dinner. It's easy for them to get lost in this mental chatter, pushing their homework to the back of their mind. They may convince themselves that they can handle it later. Still, as the thoughts keep racing, the task becomes more daunting and easier to ignore.
This struggle isn't just about being lazy or unwilling to work; it's a neurological challenge that makes it difficult for teens with ADHD to prioritize and manage their time effectively. The longer they delay, the more their anxiety builds, creating a cycle of avoidance and guilt. Parents may see this as defiance or lack of responsibility, but it's often a coping mechanism for dealing with the overwhelming nature of their thoughts.
The Promise of "Later" and the Reality of Procrastination
For many teens with ADHD, the word "later" is a frequent refrain. They promise to do their homework after dinner, before bed, or even first thing in the morning. However, "later" often never comes. This habit of putting things off can be particularly damaging when it comes to schoolwork, as deadlines pass, grades slip, and the pile of incomplete assignments grows.
Procrastination is a well-known companion of ADHD. It's not that these teens don't care about their work; they often care deeply, but feel paralyzed by the thought of starting. The task ahead seems so large and overwhelming that it's easier to push it off to some vague point in the future. Unfortunately, this approach only leads to more stress and fewer completed assignments.
Parents might find themselves in a constant battle to get their teen to start their homework, but addressing the underlying issues of procrastination and time management is necessary for these efforts to feel worthwhile. The cycle continues, with the teen promising to do better next time, but without concrete strategies in place, those promises often fall by the wayside.
The Necessity of Structured Intervention
Given these challenges, it's clear that teens with ADHD need more than just reminders or encouragement to complete their schoolwork. They need a structured intervention that forces them to set aside specific times to focus on their academic tasks. A rigid schedule can be a lifesaver in this case.
A rigid schedule may sound harsh, but for a teen with ADHD, it can provide the structure they need to succeed. By setting aside specific times each day for homework and study, your teen can build a routine that helps them manage their time more effectively. This doesn't mean every moment of their day needs to be planned out, but having designated periods for academic work can help them avoid the temptation to procrastinate.
It's important to work with your teen to create a realistic schedule that is tailored to their needs. This might involve breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and scheduling regular breaks to help them stay focused. The goal is to create a sense of predictability and routine, which can help reduce the anxiety and overwhelm that often accompany ADHD.
Parents play a crucial role in enforcing this schedule, but involving your teen in the process is also important. They need to feel a sense of ownership over their schedule, which can help them stay motivated and committed. Consistency is key, and while there will likely be bumps along the way, sticking to the schedule can help your teen develop better time management skills and a greater sense of control over their schoolwork.
The Role of an Executive Functioning Coach
One of the most effective interventions for teens with ADHD is working with an executive functioning coach. These professionals specialize in helping individuals develop the skills needed to manage time, stay organized, and follow through on tasks. An executive functioning coach can be a game-changer for a teen struggling with schoolwork.
An executive functioning coach works with your teen to develop personalized strategies for managing their schoolwork. This might include setting up a homework routine, using planners or digital tools to track assignments, and learning techniques for staying focused. The coach also helps your teen develop the self-discipline needed to stick to their schedule, which is often the most challenging part of the process.
Coaching is not just about teaching skills; it's about providing ongoing support and accountability. Many teens with ADHD benefit from having someone outside of their family who can help them stay on track and offer encouragement when they struggle.
By implementing a structured schedule and working with an executive functioning coach, you can help your teen develop the skills they need to stay organized, complete their homework on time, and achieve their academic goals.
References
Langberg, J. M., Epstein, J. N., Urbanowicz, C. M., Simon, J. O., & Graham, A. J. (2008). Efficacy of an Organization Skills Intervention to Improve the Academic Functioning of Students With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. School Psychology Quarterly, 23(3), 407-417.
Sibley MH, Graziano PA, Kuriyan AB, Coxe S, Pelham WE, Rodriguez L, Sanchez F, Derefinko K, Helseth S, Ward A. Parent-teen behavior therapy + motivational interviewing for adolescents with ADHD. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2016 Aug;84(8):699-712. doi: 10.1037/ccp0000106. Epub 2016 Apr 14. PMID: 27077693; PMCID: PMC4949080.
Evans SW, Langberg J, Raggi V, Allen J, Buvinger EC. Development of a school-based treatment program for middle school youth with ADHD. J Atten Disord. 2005 Aug;9(1):343-53. doi: 10.1177/1087054705279305. PMID: 16371680.
