Last year, we had a daily struggle over homework. It was really frustrating for everyone, especially when there was a lot of homework or my son wasn’t quite getting it. There were many nights where everyone walked away upset, frustrated, and on the verge of tears.
But what can we do?
There are no magical fixes when it comes to homework struggles, but there are some helpful tips that can help! Here is what worked for us last year and, hopefully, they will help you!
1. See things their way
Think back to when you were a kid and how you were about homework. You probably didn’t understand the long-term implications of getting it done (or not getting it done, for that matter). For most kids, homework is an inconvenience that keeps them from doing what they want to do. Lecturing them probably won’t change their minds either. Being aware of this is the first step to tackling the homework problem. And hopefully, it will help you find ways to motivate them, like the following:
2. Let them choose a time
If you’re trying to get your kids to do their homework right after school or right before dinner, maybe it’s time to reconsider. Ask your child to come up with a time when he or she feels most energized and focused. What time is good for them? You may be surprised.
I was trying to get my son to do his homework immediately after school. And that totally didn’t work for him. He was so tired and stressed out from being in school all day that he needed a break. We found that waiting until after dinner was the perfect time for him. Try to work with your child to come up with a good time for the homework to get done.
3. Schedule that time
Once you’ve come up with a good time for homework, pencil it into the schedule. Work it into your child’s daily life so that he or she can see where it fits in, and arrange things accordingly. If friends are knocking on the door during your scheduled homework time, put a sign up so there aren’t any distractions, like this one from Barb at A Life in Balance.
4. Make them comfy
Does your child need to be alone and quiet to concentrate? Try fixing up a quiet corner for him or her to work, and respect their privacy. Maybe your child prefers music and activity around the house to focus. In that case, set up a place where he or she can be “part of the action” (as long as it’s not too distracting).
The place where kids do their homework should be set up to be a comfortable spot. Set aside a space where your child has some snacks, drinks, music (if it doesn’t distract), and a favorite chair (maybe buy a special chair, like a beanbag chair, specifically for this purpose). Make sure you keep all of your homework supplies in a central location so there aren’t any excuses. Assemble a homework caddy that can be easily moved to the designated homework station.
Doing homework doesn’t have to end in tears. With a little prep work and easing into a routine, homework can be fun!
