Between their regular school hours, after school activities, play time and family time, our children tend to have very busy school days. On top of all this, they’re expected to do… homework- probably a child’s least favourite thing during the academic year. Helping your children manage their homework load, developing their sense of responsibility and accountability can be a struggle.
Here are five steps you can take to reduce the homework hassle:
1–Learn how much your child needs you. Some children will only do their homework if you sit down and help them out. Others will just get on with it and need very little monitoring. However, almost all kids need a voice to tell them to get started on it.
2–Figure out the time of day when it is easiest for your child to do their homework. Some children are still in school mood when they get home and just want to get it done. Others need time to relax and do other stuff before returning to books and studies.
3–Offer empathy, support and love. Don’t get angry, nor frustrated when your child feels reluctant to do their schoolwork. They need acknowledgment of the hurdle and appraisal when overcoming it.
4–Use positive reinforcement and incentives to reduce the homework hassle. Younger children respond especially well when ‘if you get good grades’ or ‘if the teacher tells me you’re doing great’ becomes a reality. Incentives can be money they can spend on their own things, playdates, movie nights, sleepovers, sport events, holiday destinations, getting to chose their birthday presents, etc.
5–Talk to your child’s teacher. Find out the specific homework requirements, the exact days it is checked, and plan your child’s time accordingly. A close teacher-parent collaboration will ensure better learning support both at school and at home.
