Homework! Kids dislike it, parents dread it, and teachers know it is necessary. As a mom and teacher, I get to experience both sides of the coin…so to speak. I am a teacher and often after a long and tiring day of work all I want to do when I get home is sit and relax. Then, one of my children needs help with a homework assignment. Dread…frustration! I do know that homework is important. It helps to reinforce the skills taught, teaches grit and determination, and instills responsibility just to name a few. I know the homework debate has been going on for years. I am not here to argue its relevancy (even though I do think it is important!) I want to share some of the tips that help me in my home. These homework tips will hopefully make your experience a little easier in your home too!
- Parents should show an interest in their child’s work.
I try to remind myself that the time I work on homework with my children is fleeting. They won’t always want/need my help. This is time we spend together. Children are more successful when their parents show an interest in what they are doing. And….aren’t they way more important than T.V., Facebook, or surfing the internet? When I remind myself that this is valuable time we get to spent together, it makes it a whole lot easier. - Get started on homework right away!
I can’t emphasize this enough. Sure kids (and parents, too,) may need a snack after school, but an extensive break does not make life easier for anyone involved. My children have the ride home to take a breather. When we get home they know to get started right away and get it done before they are able to do anything else. The later it gets, I find they have less motivation to do the work. Right after school they are still in “school mode.” As the evening progresses, they get more tired and they don’t tend to do their best work. So, get it done and then there will be time to play! - Set up an area where your child can work.
It should be an area away from T.V. and other distractions. This area should be close to where you are in case he/she needs help and to keep an eye on them to make sure they are actually working on their homework. - Find a reward that works for your child.
For example, my husband and I used to limit electronic (PS4, XBox, etc…) time to the weekends. We found it really backfired on us. My children would waste time doing their homework. It took so much longer than it really should have. So, we allowed them to use their electronics if they have all A’s (you choose your own criteria,) homework and chores are done, and they are shut off at least 30 minutes before bedtime. This really worked for us and homework time was cut in half! - Be a good example!
Children learn best when they see us, as parents, practice what we preach. If we get our work done first and they see us doing this, it will help to encourage them to put their responsibilities first. Do you think they will feel like doing their homework when we are sitting on the couch scrolling on our phones through Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram? You can tell your child to do something, but it means so much more to them when they see us model what it is we want them to do.
I hope these tips help you in some way as you travel through the homework scene this school year! It can be a painless process! Remember each child is an individual. What works for one will not work for everyone. Continue to try new things until you find what works best for you and your child. What homework tips work for your family?