Some kids love to learn and will happily do their homework with no encouragement at all. With others, it isn’t always that easy! Below are some tips on successfully getting your kids to do their homework.
– To begin with, set the boundaries and expectation of homework. Ask them when they would feel most productive and happy to do it, then stick to this routine for maximum productivity. Perhaps allow them a snack and half an hour of play when they get home, then get the homework out of the way before dinner. Don’t make it right before they go to bed though. Everyone needs time to wind down before sleep, so make sure homework is done before bath and reading time.
– Bribery and threats may work as short term solutions, but they will not work to your benefit as time goes on. The power will not sit with you and your child will come to associate homework with these two aspects of parenting.
– Instead make sure they have a quiet, comfortable and creative atmosphere for homework. Kids love to learn, so if they have a place where they can concentrate and be productive then they will be more likely to get their head down and work. Also make sure they know that you are there as a resource. Take the time to go through their homework with them and ensure they understand everything. It could be that they are avoiding their work because they can’t get their head around it. Do the hard stuff first when they are most alert, then it’s out of the way and not looming over everything else.
– Keep your kids encouraged and motivated. Let them know the importance of doing well in school. Praise them when they get something right and give small rewards for their hard work. If they aren’t performing as well as they should be, rather than focusing on the negatives, keep their spirits high by concentrating on more positive aspects. Work with them until they get it, but also recognise when they’ve had enough and need to take some time to play and clear their heads.
– Keep on top of how your child is doing in school. Read the report cards and attend parent/teacher meetings. They may have insight into how your child learns that could be useful to you.
– Finally, engage with your child outside of homework time. Let them know that once they are done, you will go outside and play with them, or have a game on the computer with them. If they know that well done homework comes with rewards such as this, they will be more likely to put extra work in and do well.
Written by the School Mum Team
