Encouraging children to complete their homework can be challenging. But with a little creativity in your approach, you may find they become more than happy to do so. Naturally, we all have to learn that sometimes we just have to do things that we don’t want to do. But with these tips in mind, you can help foster a positive and supportive environment where your children will love to learn. So, if you’re looking for practical strategies to help motivate your kids do their homework with enthusiasm, read on.
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Make it appealing
Any good teacher knows that the key to pupil engagement is blending theory and practice in a fun, engaging way. By linking homework topics to something that your children already find interesting, you’ll be one step ahead of any grumbles and leverage their natural curiosity into completing the task. For example, if they have been tasked with revising chemistry, why not help them perform some mild experiments at home to concrete their understanding of the topic? From mixing bicarbonate soda and vinegar to making slime, there are plenty of fun ways to turn a boring 2D block of text into a real-life, 3D project.
If you have the space, setting up your children with a dedicated, stylish and comfortable workspace is a great place to start. Make sure this area is free from distractions, such as tech and toys, and surround it with uplifting quotes, cute desk accessories, stationary and maybe a plant. By making the homework or study area an inviting and positive space, they will feel grown-up, focused and inspired to do their best work.
Add it to your weekly routine
Implementing consistent routines with children is something that psychologists promote consistently for their overall well being and optimum development. Having a set day and time when they know you expect them to complete their homework is key to avoiding tantrums, bargaining and procrastination. This way, doing their schoolwork becomes a natural part of the day and should avoid most to all arguments around the subject. Remember to give countdown warnings as homework time approaches so that it doesn’t come as a sudden surprise when they have to stop playing or turn off their video game.
Setting achievable goals is the cornerstone of professional success, so why not start your kids on the right foot early? Teaching your children to set SMART goals for themselves, with your support and encouragement, helps them develop the sense of accomplishment that will set them up for success for years to come. This is also a discipline that helps develop the skills of time management and self-organisation, and though it seems distant now, they’ll need all of these for their time at university.
Focus on effort, not results
Especially for children who are reluctant to do their homework because they feel overwhelmed, try to ask questions in a supportive and non-pressuring manner to understand the root cause of their lack of enthusiasm. Are they worried they will get it wrong? Is there a better time to ask them to do the task? Whilst it may make sense to do homework on a Friday night and get the school week done and dusted, they could feel too tired and may be more inclined to do it on a weekend morning.
Allowing them to take short breaks to help renew their focus and energy is a good way to avoid a grumpy child who becomes emotionally distressed over their homework. Snacks and drinks to hand are always a good shout also, as you want our children to feel like doing their work is a positive experience. Praising your child for their effort, not their grades, is key to building a love for learning and is crucial for their self-esteem. Maintaining an open line of communication, and being there to support and inspire problem-solving ideas, without doing the work for them, will help your children feel more relaxed and motivated also.
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