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How to Start a Project When You Don’t Know Where to Begin
Concrete Tools for People With ADHD
Last year, my son was struggling to do his homework. He would get a packet at the beginning of each week, due at the end. The content of the packet would vary. But it always involved many subjects and pieces of paper, loosely shoved into a folder.
Every evening, N would sit at our designated homework table and stare at the pile of papers. Sometimes he would complain. Sometimes he would find something nearby and play with it. He just wouldn’t do the actual homework.
He would waste so much time fiddling around that it would get late. Too late for him to go outside and shoot hoops, too late to watch sports with his dad and his brother. Then he would get upset.
He would ask me to do his homework “with him.” This went on, daily, for weeks.
My initial reaction was frustration. He’s got some Learning Differences, but he’s a smart kid. Why hasn’t he learned that he’s making it worse by putting off his homework?
One of the many nights I conceded to sit with him, I looked down at the math facts worksheet on top of the pile. It was a pretty straightforward assignment. So I asked him — “N, what is 5 x 3?” He paused for a moment, then answered “15.”
