Homeschooling Your ADD Child

Living with a child who struggles with attention deficit disorder (ADD) can be challenging enough during the hours they're home from school. So how could you possibly survive being with your ADD child, all day, as a homeschooling parent? It's not easy. However, they'll probably thrive academically and make better choices if you choose to homeschool, although this isn't the answer for all ADD children.

The UC Irvine College of Medicine researchers discovered that many drug addicts suffered from ADD as children (Science Daily, November 26, 2002). Looking for acceptance, ADD children are more prone to bond with the wrong crowd. This results in them making unwise choices when trying to fit in with their peers. This is partly due to their impulsiveness as well as lack of self-esteem.

Because ADD children usually struggle in school, they're more apt to find a false security, experimenting with drugs and other harmful substances. Parents who homeschool usually monitor their social activities, steering them into activities with other homeschoolers, as well as friends in church youth groups.

Homeschooling a Good Idea

Should every parent who has an ADD child homeschool? It's probably not a good idea if you don't get along with your child because being in close quarters with your child, 24/7, will only intensive conflicts. However, if you have a good rapport with him and both of you favor homeschooling, then do it.

If you lack confidence in your abilities to homeschool, then remember you're already helping your child with his homework. Homeschooling is simply extended homework assistance. Here are some tips to help you survive if you believe home schooling is the right choice for you and your ADD child.

Tips for Homeschooling ADD Children

• Determine your child's learning style. First, you need to know how your child learns best. For example, if your child learns better jumping rope than sitting still at the dining room table, have him practice his multiplication tables as he jumps.

• Provide a distraction-free environment. Knowing that ADD kids are easily distractible, choose a room with as little diversions as possible---no TVs, toys, electronic games, or busy windows where you child can be sidetracked by what's happening outdoors.

• Set up workable schedules. ADD kids needs a lot of structure, so it's a good idea to have a posted agenda where he can see for himself what's required at any hour of the day. On the other hand, be flexible. If you see your child is tired, you can always make adjustments, allowing for a needed break.

• Only give small bits of information. If you overload your ADD youngster with too much information, he'll probably have a mental meltdown. The key is to give information in small doses so he can digest it. The same goes for giving him household chores. Just remember that ADD kids don't multitask well.

• Use repetition. Review frequently what you've already learned as children with ADD tend to forget.

Plans and Goals for Homeschoolers

Just as a classroom teacher, you too, need lesson plans. Outline both short-term, as well as long-term goals. In other words, present in writing what you expect to cover not only in a day or week's time, but also by the end of the school year.

Using these tips and others, you'll succeed in homeschooling your ADD child. Most of all, don't forget to add patience to your lessons plans as you'll both need a healthy dose of it.

Originally published on Suite 101.