If you’ve ever thought, “They can focus on video games for hours… why can’t they just focus on homework?” you’re not alone.
Let’s be clear: Your ADHD child isn’t lazy. They’re not being difficult on purpose. And no, they don’t just “need more discipline.”
They need the right motivators.
ADHD and Motivation: What No One Tells You
Dr. William Dodson says it best: “People with ADHD primarily get in the zone by being interested in, or intrigued by, what they are doing. I call it an interest-based nervous system.”
ADHD brains don’t get powered up by importance. Motivation for ADHD isn’t about “shoulds” or deadlines. It’s driven by interest—or one of the other ADHD-friendly motivators.
And here’s why it matters: Motivation is what powers up executive functioning, the part of the brain responsible for managing tasks, routines, goals, and focus. ADHD kids not only rely on different motivators than their peers—they actually need more motivation to activate these essential functions.
5 ADHD-Friendly Motivators (With Real-Life Examples):
1️⃣ Novelty
ADHD kids thrive on new, exciting, and unexpected challenges.
Example: Offer new stationery and a gel pen to make boring math homework feel fresh.
2️⃣ Interest
If they love it, they’ll do it. Tie tasks to their passions to increase focus.
Example: Let them choose a research topic based on a favourite hobby for a school project.
3️⃣ Urgency
Timers, races, and deadlines turn tasks into games. Urgency activates their focus.
Example: Set a 10-minute timer to “beat the clock” on cleaning up toys.
4️⃣ Challenge
Competition and personal bests give ADHD kids the stimulation they crave.
Example: Create a “how many problems can you solve in 5 minutes” math challenge.
5️⃣ Connection
Support and encouragement fuel motivation. When your child feels seen, they’re more engaged.
Example: Sit beside them and work together—turn homework into connection time.
Why Traditional ADHD Parenting Strategies Fail
If you’re still trying to use standard systems like rigid schedules and constant consequences, you’re likely feeling stuck.
That’s because these strategies don’t work with ADHD brains. ADHD parenting requires flexible, brain-based approaches designed around how your child’s mind operates.
Ready to Make ADHD Parenting Easier?
Inside my monthly ADHD Parenting Membership, Chaos to Calm, I teach you exactly how to apply these ADHD-friendly motivators in real life. You’ll also get:
✅ ADHD parenting routines that actually work
✅ Live weekly ADHD coaching
✅ Monthly masterclasses on behaviour, school support, and emotional regulation
✅ A full library of ADHD resources and templates including my 30+ video ADHD Parenting Course, Chaos to Calm
👉 Start your free 7-day trial of Chaos to Calm here.
This is how you make ADHD parenting sustainable—and finally feel like you’re getting it right.
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