Contributed by Info Guru Paul Seaburn
The only people who hate homework more than schoolchildren is their parents.
It’s tough to watch kids struggle to do it and it’s even tougher when they ask for help and you feel helpless. Educators frown on parents doing the homework for their children, but there is much they can do otherwise to help children complete these assignments that are so valuable to their education. These homework solutions can be useful for kids of any age and their parents in getting homework done with less pain and more gain.
10. Designate a homework time
When homework is started at the same time every day, kids will soon develop a routine. Let them help picking a time that takes into consideration snacking and a little playtime.
9. Pick a homework place
Pick a designated location for doing homework that is away from distractions. A student desk, a table or a counter is fine as long as it’s in a spot where the child can focus on homework and spread out books and materials. Provide binders and dividers to keep subjects organized.
8. Set up first
Make it easy for your child to get started with homework by having school supplies set up and ready to go. Put pencils, pens, scissors and rulers in a cup or pouch and paper, calculators and other supplies in a box. If they don’t have to look, they have no excuse for getting to work. Buy in bulk and have back for lost, broken and used up supplies.
7. Remove distractions
This should be part of every step in helping your child with homework. Distractions include phones, TVs, computers, other children, grandparents, friends, pets and anything else that can distract the child from homework. If they can work alone, that includes you too.
6. Use a scheduler
Whether it’s a notebook, a computer or a smart phone, a student planner will help kids plan for homework when their schedules and yours vary from day to day. Older kids can set their own but it’s still important for parents to review the schedule with them.
5. Take a break before helping
When you come home from work, give yourself a 15 minute break to relax and gain some composure before digging in to help with homework. You’ll be sharper and less likely to transfer work stress onto homework stress.
4. Share the load
In a two-parent household, workout a schedule so both parents can help with homework. This reduce stress and can provide coverage if one parent has to work late. Single parents can work with other single parents or even ex-spouses to give their children extra homework support.
3. Consult the teacher
When in doubt, ask a child’s teacher for help. They can review assignments, explain difficult tasks, make adjustments and even give you some help finding books or online resources so you can better assist your child. Be considerate of the teacher’s time – your child is not the only student.
2. Be interested
Sometimes a little attention is all a child needs to feel comfortable with doing an assignment. Show some interest, share an experience, give a compliment, laugh a little … all can give your child a sense of security that the homework task will not be overwhelming.
1. Curb your disappointment
It’s easy to be enthusiastic when things are going well, but it’s hard to hide disappointment when your child is having difficulties. Give a struggling child support and encouragement while you continue to use all of these homework solutions to help them in their learning process.