As a teacher and now professional homework coach at grokhomework.com, I see families suffering from stress due to mismanaging homework time. Prevent homework fights and nights will be easier on the whole family. Although it’s never too late, start using these strategies to instill good habits from the beginning and you’ll be grateful.
1. Location, Location
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The importance of where your child does their homework can’t be overlooked. It sets the stage for success, or failure. Common pitfalls are working with the TV on, being on their phone and even listen to music. We now know the “Mozart Effect” has been refuted. Despite its many benefits, music hampers short-term learning and comprehension when studying. Also keep in mind, students should be comfortable, but not too comfortable. Avoid letting your child work on their bed or on a chaise. They will be less engaged and may even fall asleep! Tip: If your child finds the mood boost from music motivating, have them listen to music before they get down to work or during a break.
2. Ready… Set… GO!
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Getting started is one of the biggest hurdles. Try getting started around the same time each day. This helps kids regulate themselves and eliminate the question of when they’ll get to work. Make sure they have everything they need and have gone to the bathroom, gotten a snack, etc... BEFORE they sit down. Don’t let them wait too late to get started! It can be tempting for the average middle schooler (heck, the average adult!) to put off their work until later. Best practice is to get to work earlier rather than later. They’ll be less tired, which means more focused. Tip: If your child benefits from a break after school, use a timer (no more than an hour) or TV schedules to help create a routine. E.g. After “XYZ” is over, homework gets started. The goal is to take the debate out of “when” to prevent conflicts.
3. Getting down to business
Depending on your child’s personality and work habits, sitting down to work doesn't always mean work is getting done! If you child tends to get up a lot to get a drink, use the bathroom, pet the dog, torture a sibling… it may just mean that they need structured breaks worked in. Work with this need, not against it. Use a timer to set when and how long breaks are. Not only will your child be more focused while working, but it sets a firm end time to the break. The great part about timers is they help eliminate the need for you to tell them when to get back to work. They know how long they have and how much time is left. Tip: Help guide them with goals to accomplish with the timer. It can be as simple as, try to finish your math before your break.
4. Their homework or YOUR homework?!?
Learned helplessness is a big problem for our kids. Our culture is conditioned to expect immediate everything, and that includes immediately knowing the answer. If your child’s homework routinely morphs into your homework, this could be the cause. Don’t get into this unhealthy routine! Not only is it stressful on you, but you’re setting them up to struggle in the classroom and down the road of life. Try transitioning out of this routine by being around, but not next to them. Help them get started or agree to check their work, then excuse yourself to do chores, start dinner, or get some of your own work done. You want them less apt to consult you at every step. The goal here is to develop stamina for problem solving and figuring stuff out. Tip: Praise for hard work, rather than being smart.
5. Consistency is key
These strategies only work when used consistently. The goal is for there to be a predictable routine and for your child to self-monitor the process as much as possible. Collaborate with your child encouraging them take ownership and responsibility. Although it might be challenging at first, if you want to end homework fights, stick with these strategies for at least 2 weeks and you’ll start to see results.
What strategies work for you and your child? Please share with us!
Need more help? Check out grokhomework.com and get a week of homework help, free!
