We’ve heard from many parents that homework time is often a “battle” and becomes an unpleasant experience that leads to yelling or fighting. See below for some tips that can help make homework time more successful. Remember, we can’t make children “care” or want to do their homework but we can motivate them to make good choices.
Set a consistent structure. First come homework then comes playtime.
Our recommendation is to encourage families to keep a consistent routine that places homework before playtime or electronic time. If a child likes to relax after school, let them do so- but our advice is to keep the privileges as a reward to increase a child’s motivation to complete their homework. Instead of asking your child ten times to get their homework done, simply state “first get your homework done and then you can play outside,” or “when you’re done your homework, then you can use your electronics.” By outlining expectations for your child, they know what the consequences and rewards are ahead of time and should be motivated to make the right choice.
Be prepared for your child to make the wrong choice.
If you outline your expectations, your child may still refuse to complete their homework. Ensure that you follow through with the consequences by removing the privilege (electronic or screen-time for example). If your child does not complete their homework, they will also have to deal with some natural consequences for example: a drop in grades, losing recess time, or speaking with the teacher. If this becomes a consistent issue, partner with your child’s teacher to discuss ways to motivate your child to complete their homework.
Set-up a quiet space for your child to do their homework.
Ensure that your child is completing their homework in a consistent place that is distraction free. If your child has difficulty staying focused for long periods of time, set a timer and give your child frequent break times. You may want to check-in with your child before they take a break to monitor their progress with homework.
Help your child break-up homework or difficult tasks into steps.
Children may require help breaking-up homework tasks into steps, especially if they are finding the homework to be overwhelming. Sit with your child at the beginning of homework time and assist them in creating a task list. It may be helpful to place breaks in between tasks. Assisting children to break-up tasks can help them develop their organization skills!
Model Self-Regulation and Positive Self-Talk
If you feel yourself losing patience, model self-regulation and stay calm. You may want to label your feelings for your child for example, “I am feeling frustrated, I am going to take a break or deep breathes.” You may also want to encourage your child to engage in positive self-talk by reminding them “you can do this, let’s break it down.” Giving your child the skills to develop positive self-talk can lead to increased self-esteem and problem-solving skills.
Praise your child’s efforts
Try to make a special effort to praise your child for completing their homework. When reviewing homework, focus on the positives rather than the criticisms. If you child has made an error, offer your help when they are calm and ready to receive the feedback.