How do you get an ADHD kid to just start homework when the work itself isn't even the hard part?
The homework itself really isn't the issue. Once my 8 year old starts, he can do it. But getting started is like climbing a mountain. He needs water, sharpens pencils, tells a whole story, falls off the chair, suddenly remembers a toy, and then I'm the one losing patience. What helped besides rewards?
We do a start timer, not a finish timer. Just 5 minutes. I say you only have to start for 5 minutes and then we can check in. Most days he keeps going, but his brain needs that tiny doorway.
Body doubling sounds fancy but it is just me sitting nearby doing my own boring thing. Bills, folding towels, whatever. If I hover he fights me. If I disappear he disappears too.
My kid needs movement first. I used to force homework right after school because I wanted it done. Bad idea. Now it is snack, trampoline or outside, then homework. It takes less time even though we start later.
We made the first step almost silly small, write name on paper. Then first problem. If I say finish your packet, he is done before he starts.
If ur child has a plan at school, ask if every problem is really needed. My son could show mastery with fewer repetitive problems and our evenings got way calmer.