When school begins, homework is not far behind. For some children getting back into the groove of completing assignments simply falls into place. For others, just getting started is a challenge. What can you do to set the stage for good homework habits?
This article is written by Rhonda Moskowitz, M.A. PCI
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What are you responsible for?
This is your child’s homework, not yours. It is not your job to do the assignment (that goes for science projects, too). However, there is still plenty you can and should do.
Set the expectation that homework is to be completed.
This is the most important thing you can possibly do. In my family beginning in first grade, you came home from school, ate a snack, and completed your school assignments. Then you could play. There were no other options. Yes, there were schedule changes as they got older and they participated in extracurricular activities. But by then they had internalized the expectation and it wasn’t an issue.
Time for homework needs to be part of the daily routine.
Earlier is better, because it’s harder for a tired child to focus on a less preferred activity. Many families don’t have the luxury of being home at 4:00 PM to get homework started. So if this also happens in your household, consider helping your child divide their homework into chunks. There may be time for a chunk before dinner and then another one afterwards. You may even want to consider speaking to your childcare provider about them getting homework started shortly after your child arrives.
Environment is important.
I’m a big believer in having a spot set aside for homework. A desk is nice, but the kitchen table works well too. For some kids lying on the floor is the way to go. But, most importantly, eliminate all distractions during this time. No TV, no computer games, and no cell phone dinging away. Just your child and homework. And if you need some advice on how to limit the screen time and technology, get more tips here.
You Can Help, But Don’t Answer It.
Many parents struggle knowing when to get involved with their child’s homework, especially if they’re struggling. The bottom line is; you can try to help them if they ask for it, but never tell them the answer as this removes the learning experience from them working it out themselves! You can use online calculators such as this binary converter to help you understand what they’re working on. But try to resist becoming your child’s personal calculator at all costs.
Supplies.
Buy what you need for the entire school year now while everything is on sale. Keep extras in a specially designated area (a desk drawer, a large see through box, etc.) so materials are always available. Keep supplies close to the place where your kids complete their homework.
What is your child’s responsibility?
Your child has just one job.
To do the homework.
That’s it. You’ve set the expectation and the structure. There’s no fun (friends, media or technology) until homework is done. Your child is responsible to their teacher for their homework.
What will your child learn when homework is his job and not yours?
Exactly that. It’s their job. No one is going to do it for them. Isn’t that what raising a responsible child is all about?
There are real life consequences for everything. If you don’t do your homework your teacher is going to talk to you. There will be a consequence for that choice.
By creating a structure, with clear expectations, the stress around homework will dissolve. And you will have more time to enjoy your children, even on a busy school night!
[Read: How to Set Expectations for Your Kids and Improve Child Behavior]
For more on this topic, check out the full Back To School collection
Featured Contributor: Rhonda Moskowitz
With over 30 years experience as a parent coach, speaker, and educator, Rhonda shares her natural humor and genuine caring with parents. Her goal is to help moms and dad create the loving, life long connected relationship with their children that they dream of.
- Website: practicalsolutionsparentcoaching.com
- Facebook: @PracticalSolutionsParentCoaching
