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Nothing ruins everyone's night the way homework battles do. If your children resist doing their homework, you're not alone. Even though it’s a common problem, thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way. Courtesy of Lizzie Tutoring, here are some ways to help reduce after-school angst.
Offer a Tech Boost
Technology is already part of many kids' school lives, and there are plenty of tools that can give your child an academic boost at home, too. For instance, to improve reading skills, apps like ABCmouse and Endless Reader are two great places to start. You can also get a tutor for your child -- including one that can work with your child online. There are many other reading tools, as well, so there's sure to be something that works for your child.
Set a Consistent Routine
Kids, like adults, want to know what to expect. Establishing a set time and place for homework can help them feel more in control.
The best time to work varies from child to child. Some kids come home ready to tackle their homework and get it out of the way, but many need time to decompress after a long school day. As Verywell Family points out, the best way to find your child's best work time may be simply to ask, though some trial and error also can't hurt.
The best place to work is different for every child, too. Some thrive on background noise, while others need silence or white noise to focus. Encourage your child to figure out his or her own best homework place, and if a current spot isn't working, help him or her test other possibilities. Whether it's a desk in a quiet corner or the kitchen table, we all get more work done when we're in a space that's comfortable for us.
Turn Off the TV
When you turn on the TV to unwind, you create one distraction that even noise-tolerant kids can't ignore. Some research shows that doing homework with the TV going affects the quality of kids' assignments. The good news? Background music doesn't have a similar effect. So the next time you're looking for background noise, consider turning the TV off and streaming some favorite tunes instead.
Take A Fun Break
When you are in the middle of a long afternoon of homework, it can help to pull away from the books for a while. But you do not have to break their concentration and, with a little bit of ingenuity, you can turn toys, such as Legos and glitter, into part of their lesson plan. For example, if the kids are working on geography, help them build a model of each country or continent they are learning about in Legos. Similarly, you can use glitter to decorate drawings of different land features.
Pinpoint the Source of the Struggle
If homework is a drag, it's possible there's a genuine academic struggle at the heart of the frustration. Finding out where this struggle lies and addressing it could go a long way toward reducing homework meltdowns.
You can start by simply asking your child what's going on. If you're lucky, you'll get a clear-cut answer, but also be prepared for that time-honored kid response: "Nothing." If your kid won't or can't tell you what's going on, it's time for some active listening, both during homework time and throughout the rest of the day. Avoid the urge to short-circuit the conversation by jumping in with comments or easy fixes. As the American Psychological Association explains, often what kids want most is for someone to genuinely listen to them.
Another great thing you can do to help reduce your child’s stress is making the home as comforting as possible. Believe it or not, natural light can help by replenishing vitamin D, so don’t forget to encourage your child to get some fresh air. Also, you can fill your house with natural light by keeping your windows clean (something we often forget to do). Let Angi help; just search “window cleaners in my area” to explore consumer reviews and find a reputable pro.
Still at loose ends? Don't hesitate to contact the school. Your child's teachers may have additional insights to offer. If the problem seems to be more emotional than academic, also remember that many schools also have school counselors able to help.
Don't Expect Perfection
No matter what you do, not every day will be a perfect homework day. However, making some changes can set you and your child up for success. With a comfortable environment, active listening, and some encouragement and motivation, you can ease the homework struggle and get to a place where there are more good days than bad ones.
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 for a free consultation!
guest post by Jenna Sherman from Parent-Leaders
