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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.
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.
guest post by Jenna Sherman from Parent-Leaders
