7 Homework Strategies for Parents

Homework.  Just the word can create stress in students as well as parents who groan when they think about it.  Children often believe that they've spent the day studying and being "trapped" in school and, once released, should be able to enjoy their free time without having to spend several more hours studying and doing homework. Therefore, they are often resistant to sitting down and working on their assignments. 

On the other hand, parents often remember their own struggles when they were students, or they are so bombarded with stressful work situations and even family dynamics that they also view homework as an either necessary or unnecessary evil.  But what these parents don't realize is that their attitude can strongly influence their child's attitude toward homework. 

Fortunately, by implementing a few homework strategies, parents and caregivers can set up a positive dynamic and turn homework "blues" into homework "do's".  Here are seven homework strategies that can be applied to assist you and your child.

1. Change your own attitude toward homework.  Examining your own pre-conceived ideas and attitudes is one of the most effective homework strategies that a parent can do.  If you have a negative attitude towards homework, it could rub off on your child.  Your own belief system can often influence your child, so by changing your mental script, your child's attitude might also change.  Avoid comments such as "when I was your age, I hated homework..."

2. Create a quiet, secure area for your child to do his or
her homework.  Your child needs to concentrate on the assignment and other environmental stimulants, such as blaring music, television or even people, may tear your child's attention from his or her homework.  

3. Spend quality time with your child.  Sometimes parents fail to understand that
spending one-on-one time with their child, discussing important topics and
nurturing that relationship is one of the most important aspects of raising a
healthy, happy child.  By showing an interest in your child, you can gauge his or her attitudes and determine if there are problems arising from school or homework. 

4. Positive reinforcement done correctly is another
important homework strategy.  First, it's critical that you let your child know what is expected from him or her; create attainable goals and structure an environment where your child can achieve goals set.  Depending on your child's
age, maturity and activity level, you could even set milestones that need be
achieved prior to accomplishing the larger goal. 

5. Implementing a reward system is another homework strategy
that a parent can utilize.  Earning the privilege to play a video game, watch television or sleep over at a friend's house is a powerful incentive for a child to complete their homework.  It's critical though that after you set up
the reward, you don't "give in" if your child fails to accomplish what you've both agreed upon. 

6. Monitor your child's homework.  Schedule regular discussions in person, by
phone or even email with your child's teachers. 
Understanding what is expected from your child will allow you to assist
in their learning process.  If you
discover your child is overwhelmed, (or even underwhelmed), discussing the
situation with your child's teachers will allow you to gain a better
understanding of your child's homework situation. 

7. Take time for yourself. 
Scheduling time to recharge your "batteries" can be an
important homework strategy that pays off significantly in your relationship
with your child.

If your child is having problems with their homework and can
benefit from professional assistance, please contact The Grisolano Center for
Neurodevelopment for more information.