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Original poster

ADHD and homework

34 replies

Whatwasthatagainagain · 05/10/2025 10:00

DD has just started year 2 and her teacher has raised the possibility of ADHD. Not a massive surprise as we have remarked on ADHD-like behaviour at home but it's been okay at school until now.

Her homework is a huge struggle. She has 20 minutes daily plus longer tasks for the weekend (maybe 1.5 hours worth). But because she struggles to concentrate it takes easily twice that.

We have long days - 7.30am to 5.30pm - and I think trying to get her to do more work in the evenings is just making things worse as she's already tired and becomes very resentful.

Academically she's fine, bang on track for her age. I'm wondering if we could ask her teacher for less homework so she has more time to rest and recharge to make the school day more productive for her.

YABU - just do the homework and stop complaining!

YANBU - would be better for DD to have less work and more time to decompress.

Thanks

OP posts:
TheWonderhorse · 05/10/2025 10:21

That's far too much homework. I would do reading and perhaps some quick fire maths tasks (Times Tables Rock Stars or something), get the basics covered and put the rest in the bin.

It is school's job to do the education of course, but it's your job to parent. It's a balance. There's time enough for 11 hour days when she's grown and working.

FuzzyWolf · 05/10/2025 10:15

I don’t think homework benefits a six or seven year old and often puts them off education.

Just read with your child each day and that’s enough.

gonepottyy · 05/10/2025 10:13

That’s crazy my dd is in year 5 and has yet to be set any homework, ever.
I don’t understand why some primary schools don’t set any and other schools absolutely loads.
It might sound dramatic and may not be feasible for you but I think I would be changing schools for my dd sake in your shoes as I know my dd couldn’t manage that.

mynameiscalypso · 05/10/2025 10:12

I agree that’s a huge amount of homework. DS is in Year 2 and does about 10 minutes a night during the week. The school don’t set homework over the weekend. His teacher also made it clear at the start of the year which pieces of homework to focus on (spellings and reading) and which bits not to worry about too much (maths and RE). I personally don’t think they should have homework at all.

Sirzy · 05/10/2025 10:08

That’s a rediculous amount of work for year 2. DS is year 11 and only does a couple of hours a week generally.

I would talk to school about prioritising what is important.

Original poster
Whatwasthatagainagain · 05/10/2025 10:08

GarlicBreadStan · 05/10/2025 10:04

I hate the concept of homework as it is. When you start working, you're not (generally) expected to do any work after your work day has ended. Why should it be different for kids? If my kid doesn't want to do his homework, I don't force it because it just stresses him out and he has a meltdown.

I see what you mean and largely agree. But I don't want DD to start thinking that the teacher's requests are optional. So I'd do it officially and ask for less homework to be set.

OP posts:
Original poster
Whatwasthatagainagain · 05/10/2025 10:06

TeenToTwenties · 05/10/2025 10:03

A) That's a lot of homework.
B) Those are very long days.

Where is she between 7.30 and 8.30 and between 3.30 and 5.30? Could the homework be done there?

Travelling and wrap-around care. Children are encouraged to do homework there but DD doesn't as she doesn't work unless she has close supervision.

OP posts:
GarlicBreadStan · 05/10/2025 10:04

I hate the concept of homework as it is. When you start working, you're not (generally) expected to do any work after your work day has ended. Why should it be different for kids? If my kid doesn't want to do his homework, I don't force it because it just stresses him out and he has a meltdown.

TeenToTwenties · 05/10/2025 10:03

A) That's a lot of homework.
B) Those are very long days.

Where is she between 7.30 and 8.30 and between 3.30 and 5.30? Could the homework be done there?