Body Doubles: A Powerful Homework Strategy for Children with ADHD
Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often struggle to get started on homework. There are many reasons for this, as we’ll discuss later, but one of them is simply being unable to settle down and focus. Enter the concept of “Body Doubles”—a remarkably effective strategy to help kids with ADHD stay on track and complete homework.
A body double is essentially someone who works alongside the child, often without interaction and on completely different tasks. It could be the parent (and if you say you have too many other things to do, just think of body double duty as saving the time you’d spend nagging them to start their work!). Or maybe you can bribe one of your child’s friends with milk and cookies to do their homework at your house after school.
Either way, a body double provides a calming and steady presence that can significantly boost productivity for children with ADHD. Having a study buddy can help create a structured and supportive environment, making it easier for them to concentrate on their work.
A homework coach can do this and more
But let’s talk about other reasons your student may struggle to get started on a homework assignment. Perhaps they literally don’t know how to start. They know they have an essay to write but they cannot organize their thoughts to narrow down the topic, create an outline, write the first paragraph. Or, if they have had bad experiences with writing, they may be too anxious to even start. Or they don’t really understand the assignment and allow themselves to get stuck. They just cannot get going.
That’s where a dedicated homework coach can serve as an ideal body double, offering a more structured and professional approach to tackling homework. Homework coaches can help children prioritize tasks, set manageable goals, and develop routines that align with their individual learning style. By doing so, they not only help get the homework done but also ensure that it is done well, in accordance with the teacher’s instructions.
One of the key benefits of having a homework coach is the development of Executive Function (EF) skills. These skills, which include planning, organization, time management, and self-regulation, are crucial for academic success and everyday functioning. A homework coach can provide targeted support to strengthen these skills, helping children with ADHD assemble the tools they’ll need to succeed in school this year and beyond.
In essence, the use of body doubles—whether through peer study buddies or professional homework coaches—can take a lot of frustration out of the homework experience, for both the parent and the child. At HomeworkCoach, we have developed a methodology specifically designed to help students with ADHD succeed.
References
Psych Central: ADHD Body Doubling: What It Is and How It Works
Healthline: Body Doubling for ADHD: What Is It and How Does It Work?
