ODD Children and Homework Problems

A comfortable workspace free of distractions is essential, especially for children with ODD who need no reason whatsoever to refuse to do their homework. Distractions such as TV, music and computers are understandably more appealing than homework and should be used as rewards when the homework has been completed and banned beforehand. Quiet background music with no lyrics, has been shown to help, and even be preferable to complete silence, in some cases. Lyrics just encourage the child to sing along and should therefore be avoided. Keep trying things out until you find the right environment that works for your child.
 
Choosing a specific time for homework is important. By giving your child a half and hour to a hour to have a drink, a snack and play, your child can have time to relax and refresh himself after school. He is then more up to do his homework before the evening meal. This also gives him a chance to homework while you prepare dinner and at the same time spending time with you dinner. Setting a specific time assures your child that studying is not a dragged out process. It also helps them learn to meet deadlines.

There is no point in making your child sit all evening if it is clear that he is not going to do the work. This will just lead to more and more serious confrontations and tantrums. There should be immediate consequences if the work isn't done in the specified time. Threatening a child with oppositional defiant disorder, however, with the long-term consequences of not completing homework i.e. on their grades or future pocket money has little resonance. Punishments need to be immediate in order to have the right effect.
 
Breaking up the study period into shorter spans can also be helpful, especially for children who find it difficult to sit and concentrate for long periods. Going over homework before going to sleep is helpful in allowing the child to go over what they have done during the day. This routine has also helped those children who have sleeping problems.
 
It is important to continue the regular routine for study time even if the teacher has not given homework. Changes may ruin what you have already achieved. You should have tasks ready for these days when there is no homework. You can use educational games or reading stories.

Although helping and supervising study is a great way to encourage and help your child to learn, it is important not to do the work for him. The answers, right or wrong, must come from the child himself. This is how he will learn. Helping your child by sitting at this side and going through each question isn't going to help him in the long run. He will quickly switch off and let you take over. It is vital you do not allow this to happen, and make it clear you expect the work to be done by the end of study time.

Homework does not have to be perfect. As long as the task set has been completed to the best of the child's ability, it should be accepted as finished.
 
Some parents of children with ODD ignore homework, not wanting to get in a battle over every single assignment. But homework is essential in teaching children about task completion. The skill of taking a task and completing it to the best of your ability within a deadline is an essential skill for everyday adult life.

Homework cannot be ignored, but neither can an unwilling child be forced to do it. In the child's mind, negative homework experiences will confirm that it is bad thing and it should be avoided. The important thing is to focus on making study time a pleasant and enjoyable experience rather than a daily battle. Praise and treats will help bring about this effect. It will boost your child's self esteem and encourage them to continue putting in the effort.