It’s a must when it comes to taking time to set up a space that will be conducive for your children to follow through on their homework. Doing this with your child and giving them choices of where they want to do their homework bring you both together in the accountability of it getting done.
Most parents will tell me the nightly homework battle is dreaded every evening. With children feeling disheartened and parents trying to find patience they have none of after a hard day at work. Then on top of it all there are schools that require homework deadlines, leaving us needing to pace our child’s homework throughout the week. Plus, fitting tea and some downtime before bed. As you can imagine, scheduling is key and making sure that we all have enough sleep so we can be alert the next day. Kids can procrastinate and whining, showing serious attitude, whilst parents through the towel in too early and then nothing gets achieved. What it needed is a serious dose of encouragement and understanding of what each other needs from one another. Here’s how to make it easier.
Plan of Action
- Find a quiet place where your child can focus and concentrate without being disturbed by others but, not so remote that you can’t step in with the encouragement and help they may need. Especially when it’s a subject they are unfamiliar with or is at a higher grade.
- Your work station needs to be clean of other matter. It should be well lit, and allow room for your child to spread open their workbooks. Make sure the appropriate materials are all available and in reach. Including laptops and iPads if needed.
- Every child needs a break from school so make sure your children have had some down time before doing homework and been refueled with snacks and drinks so that they are ready and prepared.
- Allow your child to choose which homework they will do first. Create a timetable that allows them to check off when it’s been done.
- Tracking assignments allows your child to be responsible in prioritizing their assignments. Color code your tracker so your child knows when certain assignments are due. This teaches your child the importance of follow through and learning a real life skill…deadlines! It truly is an important skill to learn.
- Staying organized by having incoming and outgoing trays leaves room for no disorganization. Placing completed tasks in folders that you can sign off on.
- Everyone can become overwhelmed with the amount of work needed to be done and it will be important for you to help your child manage that stress. Listen, validate, and keep your child on task with a positive attitude, because when you create an environment that is positive and uplifting it will motivate and help them complete their homework.
Copywritten by Jo Frost
