If we’re being honest, homework is almost never fun. For children, homework simply feels like a drag. They have spent the whole day at school learning and working on various subjects. It is only natural that when they get home, they would rather relax and not think about school.
However, homework is very important. It allows the opportunity to hone their knowledge and improve their skills. It’s a moment to practice what they are learning. There’s a saying in spanish that says “La repetición es la madre de la retención”. This roughly translates to “Repetition is the mother of retention”.
The purpose of homework is to help the child practice and remember what they have learned. The more you practice, the less likely you are to forget it. This is how we learn how to read, write, do math, and much more.
Even so, your child may not be too willing to do their homework and might even resist doing it. This is why I have put together these 10 tips to help your child.
10 ways to help your child do their homework
1. Make it part of the routine
The rule in our house is that when they get home from school, they can rest for about 20mts. Then, they have to go do their homework. There are no video games or anything else allowed until homework is done. My children already know what the rules are and what to expect. Therefore, there is no fighting or arguments when it comes to doing their homework.
You can set up a routine that best works for you and your family depending on your schedule. Once this routine is established, it’ll flow naturally and there won’t be any more arguments.
2. Establish a rule that homework comes first
This means no games, playing, going to the park, or doing anything else until homework has been finished. Your children will quickly learn that doing their homework is a gateway to fun. Before you know it, they will be doing their homework without you having to say anything.
It will actually help in minimizing, or completely stopping, any arguments about homework. The children will soon give up on fighting or begging to play if they haven’t completed their school obligations.
3. Set the example
There will be times when things will come up and the family will have to go out to run an errand or do something else. This will mean that homework will have to wait for later.
This is ok, as long as you do not make it a habit. If your children see that you are willing to drop homework to go do something “more fun”, they will take it and run with it. Next thing you know, they will be saying things like: “Homework is not important, we always leave it for later when you want to go out”, or “Can I just do it later? I am busy now”.
Children are very quick to pick up on things that happen at home. Although it’s not acceptable that they will have this rhetoric with you, it is a clear symptom that you are not upholding your end of responsibility. If they see that you are firm and that there can be no fun until they have finished their homework, they will follow your lead.
4. Provide a comfortable space for doing homework
If you have the means, you can set them up with their own desk to do homework. Make sure you stock it with pencils, pens, erasers, highlighters, and anything else that they may need.
If this is not possible, do what many of us do, make the dining table a welcoming place for homework. This means having it free from clutter so they can put down their bookbags and notebooks. You may prepare a pencil case that stays at home with all of the supplies they might need.
The most important thing is that the area is well lit and quiet. You can even bring them a little snack and drinks while they are working hard.
5. Go to the library
Sometimes kids may be easily distracted at home. After all, they are comfortable there and all their toys/games are at arm’s reach.
Some parents choose to go to their local library sometimes so their children can do their homework there. The library provides a quiet environment and comfortable study tables. It might be a fun way to change up the routine from time to time.
Afterwards, your child can play some library games, or even pick their favorite book to read at home. My children love the book comics. They are currently hooked on the Dog Man Series. It serves as an incentive to complete their tasks when they know they’ll get to bring their favorite books back home.
Use this opportunity to encourage and nurture your kid’s love for reading. It will be a win-win for you and your children.
6. Make yourself available
If possible, make sure to always make yourself available to help them if they are stuck. If your children know they can come to you and ask for help, it will make homework less scary and they can be more confident when turning in their assignments.
Here are some things you can do:
- Sit with them while they do their homework
- Have them sit nearby so you can easily check up on them and help them if needed
- Review their homework together after they have finished
If you are a working parent and are not able to be home to help them, here are some things you can try:
- Have your child video call you if they need help with a question
- Your child can send you a picture of the problem that they are stuck in. You can later reply with a phone call, video message, or with another picture
- Your child can save the problem they are stuck in for when you get home. Then you can try to solve it together
It can be challenging at times to make it work. You might be exhausted from a long day and just want to rest. However, your assistance will play a huge role in your child’s academic success. When parents are supportive, involved, and create an environment that is conducive to learning, children do much better in school.
7. Make sure to celebrate their good grades
Whether it is their first A or their 260th A, make sure to always celebrate their good grades. Acknowledge and congratulate them for their hard work. They are putting a lot of effort into studying and applying themselves at school, and they will love hearing your praises.
Be careful not to fall into complacency and begin to take it for granted that they always do a good job. You might just think to yourself that they know you are proud of them because they always get good grades. But to your child, it may seem as if you don’t even see their accomplishments and hard work. This could make them feel discouraged and unseen.
So, don’t forget to encourage them along the way.
8. Showcase their good grades
When they bring home a quiz or test with a passing grade, display it on your fridge or another visible place in the house. Show them that you are proud of them and that this is important to you as well.
Do this especially if it’s a subject that they have been struggling with. Even if they didn’t get an A. Focus on the fact that they passed and how they are getting better at it.
It may seem like a small thing, but it isn’t. Your child will feel proud but also happy that their parents are celebrating their hard work.
9. Set clear consequences
If your child constantly “forgets” to do their homework, then they need to know that there will be consequences for their actions. School and homework are typically the only real responsibilities a child has. It is completely acceptable for a parent to expect their child to fulfill their school obligation.
So, if your child is regularly not turning in homework, even to the point that their teacher reaches out to you, then it’s time for your child to face some consequences.
You could choose to not allow them to watch TV, revoke phone and tablet privileges, prohibit hang out with their friends, and making them show you their completed homework when they finish.
This will teach them responsibility and accountability.
10. Reward
At the end of the school year when you receive their final report card, make sure to reward their efforts for a job well done. It can be as big or as small as you want. The point is to let them know that you are proud of them for their hard work and good grades.
Here are some things you can do:
- Ice cream treat
- Go to the movies
- Go eat at their favorite place
- Beach day
- Theme Park trip
- Take them out to buy a new outfit
- Buy them a new game
- Cook their favorite dish
It is human nature to want to be rewarded when we have worked hard. We also need to be acknowledged when we have done a good job. This is the incentive that keeps us moving forward. As adults, that incentive is our paychecks and recognition at work.
At school, children receive awards for getting good grades, perfect attendance, and moving on to the next grade.
But what do they receive at home? Never under estimate how important your acknowledgement is for your child. One of the reasons why they are working hard is because they want you to be proud of them.
A little reward will go a long way.
To wrap up
Let’s be honest, helping your child do homework really stinks. It feels like it’s OUR homework again. I for one, constantly think how I finished school just to go right back with my kids, lol.
It’s ok to say that this can be a drag for us too. However, this is part of the parenting gig. Our children need us to bring structure. Part of that is helping them do well in school and create an environment where they can learn and complete their school assignments.
We are the first step in helping our children do their homework.
Your child may not always like to come home and do more school work after a long day. But if you stay firm and establish a strong homework routine, they will get used to it before you know it.
Psss…. If you have a little one, you may be wondering how to get them ready for Kindergarten. Check out these 11 Tips to get your child ready for Kindergarten.
