ODD Teenagers and Homework

If your teenager is having problems with homework it is vital to pinpoint exactly at which step in the process things are going wrong. Below are some of the problematic areas where getting teenagers with ODD to complete their homework can be a problem:
 
Are all homework tasks properly recorded in a school planner or organizer? (Including task details, deadline etc) If homework tasks are not properly recorded then there is little chance of them being completed. The teacher should give clear tasks and the planner or organizer should be checked regularly to make sure it is up to date and accurate.
 
Is the necessary information, books and equipment that are needed to carry out homework brought home when needed? Again, if a vital textbook or notebook is left at school either accidentally or on purpose, then the homework cannot be completed. A quick check before leaving school should ensure nothing is forgotten.
 
Are you able to review and understand the homework tasks recorded in the school planner or organizer? Do you have an alternative way of checking details of homework tasks if necessary, i.e. contact with teachers? Teachers and parents should be in contact regularly so both know exactly what homework has been set.

Is there a quiet comfortable place in your home where homework can be completed free from distractions? Is it used? This is often harder than first condition especially in busy households, but is nonetheless essential.

Does your teenager develop a strategy to deal with multiple and large assignments. I.e. Time management - does he know which tasks he is going to tackle and when, breaking large assignments into smaller chunks. Having a calendar or planners that is updated regularly is essential especially as homework tasks become larger and more complex. Some children may need help acquiring the skills to manage their homework time appropriately.

Have you and your child agreed on a daily study period? This is vital, as deciding on a daily homework routine will prevent the child from delaying. Saying things like, "I'll do it later" or dragging out homework tasks forever will not be as easy.

Is there an adult present during study time to offer assistance and make sure homework is completed? Although the work must be the child's own, help and encouragement will help when necessary. Children need someone's support at home that will help if they become stuck or stressed.

Is concentration a problem? This may be the case, especially if your child has ADHD in addition to oppositional defiant disorder. Could study periods be split into smaller more manageable periods?

Do you go over completed homework to ensure it is completed to the best of your child's ability? Do you quiz them in preparation for tests and exams? Again, by getting more involved and offering support, homework becomes a much more positive experience.

If your child is on medication, for ADHD for example, does he take it so it is effective during study periods? Often ADHD medication taken for school can wear off, so seek medical advice.

Does your child use a calendar or planner to plot the progress of long term assignments? Or, does he leave everything to the last minute?

Is there a morning plan to make sure all homework, materials and equipment get back to school on time? Simple morning checks should sort this problem.

Are there immediate incentives or punishments to motivate your child to complete homework? Incentives and punishments are what will make your child want to complete their homework. They should, however, be applied consistently.

This is a small list of points that cover the many reasons that homework can become a negative and frustrating experience for a child with oppositional defiant disorder.

Once the issues that need to be address have been outlined, the child, parents and teacher can now draw up a contract and a homework plan. It is vital to get the child involved and include their ideas and feelings about homework too. There are many ways this can be done. The child can be involved in suggesting incentives and rewards for successfully completing homework without fussing and choosing when they would like their study periods to be. The child can also suggest how they would like to be treated by parents and teachers, i.e. no nagging as long as the homework plan or contract is obeyed.

Be aware that a new plan may not work straight away and the plan may need readjustment as homework pressures increase. However a structured plan will help to eliminate defiance over homework issues to a great extent.