We will use the radio softly to help as a controlled distraction. I have also thrown in the timer on the stove with cookies baking to shake it up a bit. My ds was almost in a rebellion phase last year with taking too much time on his homework. It seemed at times he wanted it to be painful. To be honest some of it could have been me just wanting him to be faster. We don't have to use the timer any more. He might mess around a bit but gets on task relatively quick now.