Parenting with Impact EP233: Why Homework Is Hard: Executive Function, Stress, and Real Solutions
Sep 24, 2025
Homework challenges are often not just about a lack of motivation; they stem from invisible issues like executive function deficits and stress overload. Learn about the 12 crucial steps kids must navigate to complete homework and how stress can exacerbate these hurdles. Discover why traditional solutions like planners might fail and the importance of tailored strategies that match a child's unique strengths. Emphasizing collaboration over imposition can lead to greater ownership and motivation, insightful for any parent dealing with homework struggles.
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Homework Is Many Executive Tasks
- Homework involves many distinct executive function demands like initiation, sustaining attention, and finishing tasks.
- Identifying which specific EF skill is failing helps target interventions more effectively.
Break Homework Into Visible Steps
- Break assignments into the invisible steps rather than assuming 'do homework' is one task.
- Teach or support the specific step your child struggles with instead of using one-size-fits-all strategies.
The Effort Tax Changes By Task
- Neurodiverse kids pay an 'effort tax' where some actions cost more cognitive energy.
- What feels easy on one assignment may be exhausting on another depending on topic and task.