When Homework Becomes Work for You Too
Kids tend to moan and groan when it comes time to do homework. What can a parent do to make homework time easier for them and their child?
Bad Habits Begin Early
Children enter school usually once they are potty trained. This is usually around three years old. They are required to have a backpack and a folder to carry their important papers. You should make it a daily routine that you both sit down and check what is in the backpack. Never trust your child to tell you if they have homework or an important message from their teacher. Often once children of preschool age return home from school, they forget what happened there and are focused on what is happening now.
Let your kids have a break from schoolwork when they get home. Allow time for a drink and a snack, and at least a half hour to an hour of relaxation time. That doesn’t necessarily mean they can watch television or play video games. They can spend that time outside playing, socializing with their siblings, pets and you.
Set Aside a Time and a Place
Have an area where you child can work quietly without distractions. Keep the same time every day to begin the homework. If you allow TV during the week, don’t let your child watch until all homework has been completed. Once a child gets into a routine, they will be used to the fact that when a certain time rolls around, they will be expected to sit down and do their homework.
Don’t allow any other activities until you have gone over their work, any paperwork they have brought home, and the homework is completed to everyone’s satisfaction. Then you can all spend the rest of the evening without the pressure of looming homework.
Filed under: Discipline
