It’s not uncommon to hear that many parents today grew up with the routine of finishing homework immediately after school before enjoying any free time. But education — and parenting — have changed dramatically over the last two to three decades. With the addition of technology, evolving teaching methods, and increased academic demands, finding sensory friendly homework strategies has become more important than ever for parents supporting their children.
For many kids, especially neurodivergent children, stress and pressure around homework can feel overwhelming. The good news is that sensory friendly homework strategies can make this daily routine calmer and more manageable.
Here are practical ways to support your child’s learning while reducing after-school meltdowns.
Sensory Friendly Homework Strategies for Parents and Kids
1. Include Decompression Time
The after-school hours are often a rush: homework, dinner, bath, and bedtime all squeezed into a short window. Adding even 15–20 minutes of decompression time when your child gets home can make a big difference.
Offer a snack and give your child time to unwind with sensory-friendly activities such as swinging, jumping, coloring, or simply resting. This break helps them “unmask” and recover from the effort of holding it together all day at school.
2. Group Subjects Based on Mental Effort
Some students get daily homework, while others bring home weekly packets. Either way, it’s helpful to plan assignments strategically by the mental energy each subject requires.
If your child finds math and science more demanding than language arts or social studies, avoid tackling both difficult subjects in one sitting. Instead, pair one high-effort task with a lighter one. This reduces frustration, prevents burnout, and helps your child approach learning with more confidence.
3. Break Assignments Into Manageable Chunks
Large worksheets or writing projects can feel endless to a tired child. Break homework into smaller chunks and set short time goals.
For example:
- Ask your child to work on 2 math problems for 5 minutes before taking a short movement break.
- Encourage them to write 2–3 sentences in 10 minutes, then check in or pause.
Chunking tasks this way reduces overwhelm and helps your child experience success step by step.
4. Take Breaks Together
Homework can be draining for both parents and kids. If frustration builds, it’s okay to pause. Taking a short break helps you regulate your own emotions and models healthy coping skills for your child.
Even a few minutes of deep breathing, stretching, or stepping outside can reset the mood for everyone.
Making Homework Less Stressful
Homework doesn’t have to be a daily battle. By using sensory friendly strategies, parents can create a calmer after-school routine that supports learning while respecting a child’s need for regulation and rest.
At the Center for Rising Minds, we help families navigate the unique challenges of ADHD, Autism, and anxiety. If your child is struggling with homework stress or after-school transitions, we’d love to support you. Contact us today to learn more or join our waitlist.
