Homework Gets Tough, But These Strategies Can Help Parents

 

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Some children blow through their now-impressive stacks of homework like it's a breeze and some children struggle through every worksheet. These are things a modern parent is used to dealing with. But what do you do when your child hits a roadblock and the homework is tougher than anticipated? Difficult homework is particularly challenging for parents today because school and subjects have changed so much in the last few years. You may or may not recognize the subject matter, but your child has to complete the worksheets and assignments either way.

Read on for some great parenting strategies to help your child when homework gets tough.

Bring Out the Advanced Learning Gear

If neither of you can find the answers or gain full understanding from the book and handouts, it's time to pull out the serious gear. Grab a tablet to find the study aids your child needs. There are many powerful tablets to choose from. The latest tablets provide ample memory and power in a slim and lightweight package, so your kiddo can get to work nearly anywhere, anytime.

Be Supportive and Encouraging

No matter what you’re up against, remember to always be supportive, and encourage your child to think things through. Remind your child that you believe in them and that you believe them that the homework is really hard. Assume that they are doing their best, and tell them that they are smart enough to figure it out. As Nurture & Thrive explains, this encourages positive self-talk because you prepare your child to succeed, when their own thoughts might be preparing them to fail.

Tackle the Subject Together

If your child continues to struggle, sit down next to them and make the homework a team effort. Things are often easier for children with a partner alongside, but as Parents points out, make sure you’re helping without doing it for them. You might help them find the right place in the book to read, explain what the passage says, or help them dig up an in-class handout with the answers. 

Another tactic is to simply ask your child to explain the subject to you. In taking the role of teacher and sorting information, they might realize that they do already know the answers. 

When all else fails, it's time to look up answers in a way your child can understand. There are tons of homework help videos that explain the tough subjects of today's curriculum, and a big collection of helpful homework practice apps in the app store. Between the two of you, you and your child should be able to find the answers and explanations you need to tackle the homework together.

Motivate and Reward for a Job Well Done

Finally, when you've both happily succeeded at filling out the worksheet with the right answers (or your best guesses, as is sometimes the case), it's time for a little reward. Your child has worked hard and, hopefully, they've maintained a pretty good attitude about the whole thing along the way.

Build a predictable reward structure that motivates your child to finish homework by letting your child watch a few entertaining videos or play a video game they enjoy. And since you've been doing homework together, this may be a good time to reward yourself as well! A small gift like some workout gear, a breathable dress for relaxing at home, or a massage can be a reward for a job well done.  

Being a great parent during tough homework time requires a strategy, but not a hard one. Become your child's partner in the tough task, play the student, and make sure your child has the technological tools to tackle the problem. By going at things with the right tools and a can-do attitude, you’ll get through it - together!

Help your child gain confidence, knowledge, and study skills by working with Lizzie Tutoring. Virtual sessions are available!

guest post by Jenna Sherman from Parent-Leaders

Homework Time: 5 Strategies to Skip the Struggle and Improve Learning

Are you looking for tutoring that is based upon the student's academic needs without following a predetermined program? Lizzie Tutoring goes beyond just homework help. Each tutoring session involves helping the student gain confidence in the subject matter and learning valuable study skills. Contact us today! 

1. Set a Time
Tired of the homework struggle? As much as parents and kids both dislike homework, it’s not going away anytime soon. For help getting through homework without a fight, Lizzie Tutoring invites you to adopt these five study time strategies, which include creating a homework schedule and offering the use of electronics as incentives.
If your child puts up a fight over homework, your first step is to set a regular time devoted to study. When children are in the habit of doing homework at the same time every day, they’re less likely to need prompting or argue when reminded. Rather than set the time that you prefer, note when your child works best. As Care.com discusses, some kids benefit from a period of rest after school, while others focus best when they still have momentum from the school day. Consistency is what matters, not a specific time block.
If disagreements persist or your child lies about having homework, make homework time mandatory. If no homework is assigned, your child can spend the time reading, doing extra work for challenging classes or engaging in an educational outdoor activity.

2. Set a Place
A dedicated study space further ingrains the homework routine. While it’s common for children to do homework at the kitchen table, it’s not always the best choice. Children, especially those prone to distraction, benefit from a desk in a private area. If you’re short on space, a corner desk can fit into compact areas so you don’t have to sacrifice an entire room to your child’s studies. If your child tends to need extra homework help, choose a location where your child can easily call out for assistance.

3. Make a Plan
Put an end to unfinished homework by making a homework plan with your child each day. List all assignments, estimate how much time each will take, and have your child decide the order to complete them. If your child anticipates needing help, ensure you’re available when the assignment in question is scheduled.
After homework is done, cross-check your child’s work with the list to ensure all assignments are complete. This is also an opportunity to address areas for improvement and offer praise. Rather than fixing mistakes, Parenting For Brain suggests focusing on effort. Overemphasis on doing it right rather than doing one’s best can breed thoughts of failure.
As children enter middle and high school, they should be able to create and follow homework plans without parental oversight. At this age, parents should only get involved if incomplete homework is an ongoing issue.

4. Take Breaks
Sitting still for long periods isn’t a child's strong suit. Allow for scheduled breaks during homework time to ease restlessness. When implemented correctly, breaks can reduce procrastination and improve a child’s focus.
Breaks should be no longer than 15 minutes and involve leaving the study space. Activities during the break should refresh your child’s mind and be easy to quit when it’s time to return to homework. Rather than video games or turning on the TV, have children take a walk outside, dance or sing to music, do yoga, or play with the family pet.

5. Create Incentives
Not all children are incentivized by good grades or approval from teachers and parents. For children who need an extra push, create short- and long-term homework incentives. The simplest incentive is a fun activity your child can do once homework is done. In many cases, children would easily choose screen time, whether it’s on their computer or tablet. If this lends itself to motivation, offer a certain amount of time for gaming when they complete their homework. You could even throw in a screen protector for an especially good effort.
However, short-term incentives may not work for children prone to rushing through homework. In that case, turn to long-term incentives. An example of a long-term reward would be a fun outing if your child doesn’t miss any homework for a set number of weeks, or offering to upgrade your home internet for better gaming.
Homework is an opportunity for children to expand their learning and for parents to engage in their child’s education. Unfortunately for many families, it’s also the hardest part of the day — but it doesn’t have to be. By adopting these strategies in your home, you can make homework a better experience for you and your child.

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guest post by Jenna Sherman from Parent-Leaders

What You Should Really Focus on as a Parent

 

Parenting is a privilege, but it can also be a challenge in many ways. After all, when raising a human being from infancy to adulthood, you’re bound to encounter many hiccups along the way. Moreover, you have to be flexible enough to change your methods every few years or so in order to get through to your kids during every stage of their lives. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to keep it simple and focus on the things that really matter, such as keeping them healthy and safe. The following resources from Lizzie Tutoring will help you do exactly that.

Keep Them Healthy

Set your kids up for success by keeping them healthy in body and mind.

Meal Plan for Overweight Kids

25 Healthy Snacks for Kids to Buy at the Store

The Deal with Diets (for Teens)

11 Less-Obvious Sports Your Kids Might Love

8 Benefits of Yoga for Teenagers and 13 Simple Poses

Getting Kids to Nap to Promote Growth

The Importance of Sleep for Teen Mental Health

Keep Them Safe

Danger is everywhere. Keeping your kids safe will require constant vigilance and educating them on what to do in the face of threats.

Internet Safety for Children 6-8 Years

Think You Know What Your Teens Do Online? Think Again

Step-by-Step Guide to Childproofing Your Home

Car Seat Safety for Kids

Stranger Danger and Preschool Children

How to Deal with Bullies: A Guide for Parents

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Child Abuse

Look After Yourself

To be a great parent, you need to take care of yourself. Otherwise, you won’t have the energy to keep up with your children. Self-care can be anything from delegating homework duty to finding ways to relax to finally deciding to head back to school to complete your education.

Let Lizzie Tutoring Take Over Homework Duty with Virtual Tutoring Lessons

Ready to Snap? Tips for Stressed-Out Parents

15 Relaxation Tips for Parents

40 Self-Care Tips for Worn-Out Parents

5 Reasons Parents Must Have Hobbies

Consider Going Back to School Through an Online University

How to Handle Going Back to School with Kids

It really doesn’t take a genius to raise children — just committed parents who are willing to do whatever it takes to see their kids grow up to be happy and healthy adults. Few jobs are truly as worthwhile and rewarding, and you’ll be thanking your lucky stars that it’s yours.

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guest post by Jenna Sherman from Parent-Leaders

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- science and math for 7th-12th grade

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- for more information, fill out the contact form on the right

The Perfect Jobs for Students (Plus, How to Get Hired)

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​While balancing a job with classes can be challenging, there are numerous benefits to working while in high school or college. It means more money for necessities like clothes, books, personal items, etc., as well as more cash for social activities and entertainment — and even some spare funds to reduce or avoid student loan debt.

Lizzie Tutoring can teach your child valuable study skills and improve their understanding of math, science, history, and much more. Submit this form to schedule a free consultation!

Job Ideas You Can Try as a Student

The great thing about jobs is that they can help you make a living and perhaps also valuable life lessons. The challenging part is finding a good one. Fortunately, they exist, even though many might say they are not in ample supply. Check out the following examples that might lead you towards the opportunities you're chasing.

Dog Walker

Many people are way too busy to take their pets for extended walks frequently. As long as you like dogs and don't take too many clients at one time, this is a fantastic part-time job that offers a lot of flexibility. 

Teaching Assistant

The majority of colleges and universities hire undergrad or grad students as teaching assistants. Even though the job can be hard sometimes and demanding, it is a fantastic chance to deepen relationships with professors and work more extensively in a field you like.

Lifeguard

​If you're a good swimmer and in good shape, then this is the ideal job for you. Once you pass your training and earn the necessary qualifications in CPR and first aid, the actual job might be very relaxing. However, you need to be prepared at all times and act quickly in case of an emergency.

Start Your Own Business

If you're hyped by the idea of entrepreneurial life and have a unique product or service you'd like to offer to people, consider starting your own business. The idea doesn't have to be astounding; it just needs to work. To that extent, ensure you conduct the necessary market research, create a business plan, and choose an appropriate business structure in Minnesota. An LLC offers numerous benefits for small businesses, including less paperwork, limited liability, tax advantages, and flexibility. You can work with a lawyer to set up your business as such or save on the expense by using a formation service in your state.

How to Secure a Job

Students have among the highest unemployment rates. A lot of factors contribute to this, especially the fact that most students don't have job experience. However, if you emphasize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses, you can increase your chances of securing a job, and here's how to do it.

Speak Up

To get hired, your personal network has to know you're looking for a job. You never know from where an opportunity might pop up.

Make a Resume

Employers will always welcome a well-written resume because it has all the necessary information. Ensure you create a professional resume that will help you stand out, even if it's a bit sparse.

Don't Wait

Follow up on applications within five working days from the day you applied, so don't wait for them to call you back. You can also ask your professional network for help in getting your foot through the door.

Spend Time Volunteering

Spending time on volunteer activities is a great way to contribute to the community. Job seekers who volunteer for causes they believe in also equip themselves with new skills and meet new people, including potential employers, who could help them find a job.

Even if you’re still in high school or college, you might need to find a job to pay your way and perhaps save some money to cover your student debt. A job with flexible hours will help you manage the work-school balance, so make sure you think about what kind of job you need and follow the steps above to get hired.

guest post by Jenna Sherman from Parent-Leaders

Chemistry - Periodic Table Basics - Student Notes and PowerPoint

Available here.

How a DIY Dance Studio and Online Classes Can Keep Kids Practicing at Home

 

If dance is part of your child’s life, the closing of studios and schools was especially disappointing. Without in-person classes, you may be worried that your child will lose interest in dance. You may also be concerned about whether your child will lose any of the dance skills that he/she has worked so hard to acquire. To put these worries to rest and give your child something constructive to do, you can use these resources to create a dance studio at home. 

Lizzie Tutoring can teach your kids valuable study skills, help them gain confidence, and establish a blueprint for success. Virtual sessions are available!

Why Children Should Take Dance Lessons 

With so many COVID-19 challenges on your plate, you may be tempted to forego dance lessons altogether, but that may not be the best move for your children. 

• The benefits of dance are endless for kids, and keeping them in lessons can improve their confidence, coordination and creativity. 

• There are free online dance classes to help keep students moving while COVID-19 restrictions are in place. 

• Most dance classes for kids will begin with fundamentals before diving into specific dance styles, like jazz, tap or ballet, so kids should be able to keep up. 

How to DIY a Home Dance Studio 

Online lessons are a wonderful way to keep your children interested in dance, but you will also want to set up space where they can practice. 

• If you are concerned about the ROI for your dance studio, you should know that adding a multipurpose room is an effective way to enhance your home value. 

• A DIY dance studio can be a simple project that only requires a little space, some wood floors, and a few mirrors on the walls. 

• Look for ways to soundproof your child’s dance studio so that you do not get distracted by any loud movements or music while working remotely. 

How to Encourage Regular Practice 

Getting your children to practice dance at home can be a bit more challenging than taking them to classes, so be prepared to exercise some patience. 

• Supplement studio classes with classes and videos from YouTube dance channels. 

• Understand how deliberate practice can benefit your child and be prepared to overcome practice challenges together. 

• Dance can provide fitness benefits for adults, so don’t be afraid to get in the studio with your child and practice some moves together. 

A home dance studio can never replace the expertise and experience provided by dance instructors, but it can be a good tool for keeping students engaged. Furthermore, having a home practice space can encourage your child to practice more. Plus, you will be adding so much value and utility to your home. So really, there’s no reason not to take on this practical self-isolation project. 

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guest post by Jenna Sherman from Parent-Leaders