It is the middle of the school year - there are more hours of daylight; the weather starts to warm up (very slightly); and the weekends and after school begin to fill up with spring sports on the horizon.
Your child's homework might be the last thing you think about. If you and your child have trouble working on homework, read on for tips on developing a good homework routine that works for your family.
Why homework challenges arise
If you and your child have problems with their homework, it may be helpful to take a step back and assess the situation:
Your help is needed
If your child's school uses a homework package system that is sent home weekly, take a few minutes to review the assignments and schedule them to be completed. Doing something every day is trying to do everything at the last minute. This is a life skill that we all have to learn. Children live in the moment and have only a vague idea of the time, so planning ahead requires some effort.
If your child is zealously zooming in on homework, Monday night may be the day you do it. If your child needs to divide up their homework, choose one or two worksheets per night so your child can take the time to do his / her homework.
Don't assume that your little child will come home from school automatically, grab the homework package, and start working on homework right away. In fact, they have probably spent much of the day sitting and focusing on learning. Your brain and body need a break. Active, physical play, if possible outdoors, rejuvenates and refreshes them and gives them the opportunity to concentrate on homework in due course.
During elementary school years (possibly even beyond), you may need to help your child remember to do their homework. The "when" and the "where" vary depending on what is best suited to your unique child and family situation. Consider speaking to your child and encouraging them to develop an appropriate after-school routine for them.
Set up a homework room
Just as adults need an organized work area, children can also benefit from a certain place - free of clutter, sibling toys, snack packaging, etc. - to sit down at work. Your child might even enjoy having an “office”, just like mom or dad.
It doesn't have to be anything special - just a small table or desk with a chair where your child can sit or stand comfortably. Here are some ideas for work areas that you should consider:
Motivate and encourage, but don't work for them
It's a great idea to sit at work with your child, but not do their homework for them. Keep your comments positive. Say things like, "What do you think?" and "I know you can." Encourage your child to solve homework problems themselves instead of answering them immediately. You can make suggestions and give instructions, but it is up to your child to carry out the learning. Reading and following instructions for yourself is a skill to work towards. This will help develop their motivation from within, rather than relying on others to guide them.
Working after school and after work helps your child feel safe. They know what to expect and what's next. There are no surprises and they know that you are in their corner. If you are available to your child for homework, it helps them feel important and strengthen their self-esteem. Doing homework can be a small thing, but it's an opportunity to help your child understand your family values. You learn to keep trying, even if it is difficult that education is important and you believe in it.
This article was brought to you by Parenting Now! Educators and authors Amanda Bedortha, Claire Davis and Lynne Swartz, and advisor Jay Thompson (andupdatemywebsite.com).
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