Homework is one of the biggest challenges of school these days. And it’s not only frustrating for kids; parents often suffer right alongside their child. Here are some ideas you can implement to help you help your child.
Work with your child’s natural temperament. There’s lots of advice out there about how to structure homework time for your child. The most important thing to remember is that even the best advice in the world doesn’t work for every child. You have to take your child’s unique temperament, personality and needs into consideration when you’re deciding on a homework approach and routine. Some kids can come home and jump right into their work. Other kids need to have at least an hour of downtime before they can focus. Some kids enjoy having music in the background while they work. Other kids find any noise distracting. No one knows your child better than you do. Use that knowledge to create ways for him to be a homework success story.
Develop a routine. Having the same routine for homework time each day is one of the best ways to help your child find homework success. Knowing when, where and how he’s going to tackle his assignments will give him the stable framework he needs to focus on the actual work. The routine will be different for every child and it will likely evolve and change as your child gets older. Work with him to decide what works best for his unique needs. By creating a routine with him rather than for him, you’ll avoid a lot of the push back and procrastination that often comes with homework. When something isn’t working, try something new. Often it takes two or three tries to come up with a routine that really works for your child.
Carve out a homework nook. Your child’s homework environment makes a huge difference in how easy or difficult the process is. Create a space that’s away from the hustle and bustle of the house. Make sure he has all the supplies he needs readily available so he doesn’t have to stop to get a pencil, then again to find the dictionary, and again to track down lined paper. Don’t forget the basics either, like a good light, a flat, stable writing surface and a comfortable chair. When your child has a functional and comfortable place to do his homework, much of the battle is already won.
Make sure your child’s physical needs are met. Even if you have the best environment and routine, if your child is tired, hungry or has excessive energy, he won’t be able to do his homework – or at least not without a lot of unnecessary struggling. Before your child jumps into homework time, make sure his physical needs are met. He may need to have a mini meal to kick his brain in action. Or he may need to play in the backyard for 20 or 30 minutes before he can sit still and concentrate. He may even need a 30 minute power nap on the couch after a full day at school. By addressing your child’s physical needs first, you’re making sure his body and mind are ready to work and study.
Say no to TV. Lots of kids say that having the TV on during homework time isn’t a distraction. In fact, they claim it helps them concentrate. Research and common sense debunk that theory. If your child wants to have the TV on while she does her homework, stand firm and say no. Having a TV on, even for background noise, is a distraction that will keep your child from fully focusing on the task at hand. If your child finds a silent environment disconcerting, try music or a noise machine. Having the right kind of background noise may help your child be a more effective student.
Teach homework skills as your child moves from grade to grade. There are essential skills that your child must master in order to be a successful student. Knowing how to create a homework friendly environment, how to use time wisely, how to break large projects into smaller, manageable steps, how to scan resources for key points and how to organize thoughts into workable materials are all skills that help your child find success in school and at home. He doesn’t have to do things like everyone else, but he has to find his own way of mastering these skills. Start when your child is young and begin by teaching the basics. As your child gets older, add to his skill set as he moves from grade to grade. By doing so, you’ll help him become an accomplished and effective student.
