Homework is not a favorite for a lot of people out there and not just children. Sure, children will always complain about having to do homework, and it seems to get worse as they get older. However, parents also struggle with homework for various reasons. It has been a long time since they have been in school, so they may not even remember everything that they learned to help their children. They also battle with their children on getting them to do their homework.
There can be endless fights after dinner when parents are trying to get their children to get their homework done. For a lot of families, this means that there are threats of no digital devices until the homework is completed, and battles that go well into the evening. In some of the worst-case scenarios, bedtime arrives before the fight ends and a child ends up not completing their homework at all. There are some tips that can help end the homework battle, and with such a large variety, there is bound to be something to help every family.
Location, Location, Location
According to US News, location really is everything when it comes to homework. Sometimes it can be as simple as making sure you have a designated space for your child to do their homework in. Setting up a corner in a quiet room can help them focus on the tasks at hand and help them get them done quicker. Limiting distractions, like siblings and TV’s can also help them focus on the tasks at hand.
Outside Help
Teachers are not just educators in the classroom, but they really are a resource that parents should be able to call on when they need help. Sometimes, the best help that mom can get can come from her child’s teacher. Ask them for some help if you are struggling. Even though you know your child better than anyone, your child’s teacher may be more accustomed to how best your child learns and may have some great tips for you.
If able, mom may also want to look into a tutor for their child, or someone to come in and just help them with their homework. Sometimes, a child will be able to focus better when having someone else guide them that is not their parent.
Help Them Plan
Some nights are going to have more homework than others, and sometimes a child may be resisting homework because they feel overwhelmed with all that they know they need to get down. According to KidsHealth, if your child has a lot of homework one night, sit down with them and help them prioritize what they can get down quickly, and what is going to take more time. Plan through all of the assignments and this can help a child feel better about the amount of work they have.
If you can help a child figure out which work is harder for them, and which is easier, you can get them to focus on the harder work first because they will have more alertness and focus. Then the easier work will be left until the end and they will likely be able to get through it a lot quicker.
Be There
Sometimes, your child may just need to know that you are there if they have any questions and this can help a lot. Maybe sit in the room with a book, or some paperwork of your own while they are doing their homework. This way if they have any questions, they can ask easily and you can also offer praise and encouragement as they go on.
Let Them Have Breaks
While it may seem to make sense to our brains that if we just sit down and do it, it will be done faster. This is not always the way the younger brains work, and your child may need a break. According to Mind Research, offer breaks to your child if they need them. Maybe they need to go to the bathroom or get a drink of water and a snack. This 5-minute break may be enough to give them motivation to power through the rest of the work they have.
Homework is never going to be easy, and it is not supposed to be. Homework is teaching a child about responsibility and it is encouraging them to learn and challenge themselves. While parents may be eager for homework time to be done, they should be playing the role of a teacher in these instances, and this means that you can guide your child to the right answers, but you don’t want to give them the answers. They are not learning anything when they don’t have to put in the hard work themselves.
Sources: US News, KidsHealth, Mind Research