Tips to Set Your Child Up for Homework Success
Is homework time a daily hassle? Tips & tricks to get it done
If you’re like most parents, homework time is a source of stress. You want your child to succeed, but you also don’t want to end up doing the work for them (or yelling at them to get it done). According to theNational PTA, homework should take about 10 minutes per grade level each day. So a first grader should have about 10 minutes of homework a day, while a high school student should have somewhere between 90-120 minutes daily. Homework time doesn’t have to be a hassle. Here are some tips for homework help that will hopefully make everyone’s life a little easier.
Make sure there’s a designated homework space.
A homework space should be quiet, comfortable, and organized. This will help your child focus and get the work done without any distractions. Keep all the homework supplies your child will need in this spot, so they are not wandering the house looking for paper, pens, a calculator, etc.
Make a homework schedule.
This can help your child plan out when they will do with their homework and avoid procrastination. It’s also a good way to make sure that all their homework gets done on time. If schedules allow, pick a time that is consistent each day. This could be shortly after your child gets home from school, before dinner, etc. Just make sure to give your child a break once they get home from school before diving in.
Make sure there is enough time allotted for homework.
Try not to overschedule your child to the point where you’re struggling to find enough minutes in the day for them to focus on their homework. Be sure to include specific tasks on the homework schedule. This could include completing homework assignments, reading for homework, or practicing math facts. Many parents find success in setting up a homework curfew. This will let your child know when homework is officially over for the day and will help him avoid any late-night cramming sessions.
Encourage breaks.
It’s important for kids to take breaks while they’re doing homework, especially if it’s something they find challenging. This will help them stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed.
Reward good homework habits.
Praise your child when they do their homework on time or finish it early, and offer small rewards such as an extra hour of TV time or a trip to the park when they complete all their assignments.
Should I Help My Child With Their Homework?
Some parents help their children with homework, while others believe that kids should be able to do it on their own. If you’re not sure whether or not you should help your child with her homework, here are a few things to keep in mind:
First, consider how much homework your child has. If they have a lot, it might be helpful to give them a little bit of help. But if they only have a little bit, it’s best to let them do it on her own. Second, think about your child’s homework habits. Do they work best when you stay nearby and offer occasional help, or do they prefer to work independently? Finally, remember that different kids learn in different ways. Some kids need more help than others, and some kids learn better when they’re allowed to take their time and figure things out on their own.
What to Do if Your Child Has too Much Homework?
Many students feel overwhelmed with homework, especially if they have a lot of it. For some, it can be tempting to scream, cry, or threaten to get out of homework altogether. However, these behaviors will only aggravate the situation and make completing homework even more difficult. You can help your child by breaking up the homework into a series of smaller tasks. Also, make sure your child is actually doing their homework during homework time, and is not getting side-tracked by his cellphone, or other distractions in the home.
Online Homework Helpers
There are lots of online resources that can help your child tackle their homework. Some are free and some are paid, and there are many websites that offer free homework help with paid upgrades. Here are just a few to turn to in times of homework trouble.
Moms share their homework advice
I sit every day after school for 60 minutes with my 5th grader helping him with homework and reviewing daily lessons. I do not tell him answers, but help walk him through the thinking process. In our house no rewards for doing school work. He is not allowed to play until work is done.
-K. MacDonald
I always help with homework, but only with the first few questions to get them started – if they ask for help. I’m trying to show them that it’s ok to need help and to ask for it. I think it will help when they are adults to know they can always ask for help in their jobs, etc. I watch to make sure they understand the next questions though and let them do the rest.
-H.Deaton
From 1st grade and even when I came home from college, my mom sat at the kitchen table with me. Every. single. Night. Honestly me doing the homework and projects saved my butt in school.
-D. Mae
Helping your child develop good homework habits will not only make things easier for you, but it will also help him in the long run.
