Our daily routine was very predictable: my son would arrive home
from school, he and his siblings would be given a nutritious snack, and then it
would be homework time. That’s when the
tantrums, rage and complaints would begin.
Common complaints were that I was SO mean and unfair, or “torturing” him
to do his homework!
Here are some tips I have used to get my son to do his homework,
since the episode I wrote about. (Yes, I
did not give up on homework after all!)
Don’t
Run on Empty! – Before starting homework, feed your child a nutritious snack. Even if dinner is one hour away, do offer
cheese and crackers, a piece of fruit, or veggies and dip. Don’t offer a sugary treat, as sugar gives a quick
burst of energy, followed by a sudden energy drop. If your child is in Junior or Senior
Kindergarten, a 30-minute nap before homework goes a long, long way!
Find
The Sweet Spot – Get your child set up for homework at a spot with minimal
distractions, such as a desk or the kitchen table. Ensure that distractions like television,
videogames, toys and other games are not in the picture. A quiet room is an ideal place to do
homework, away from other noises and activities.
In
The Mood – Try to gauge your child’s mood before embarking on homework. For example, an irritable child doesn’t want
to hear that it’s homework time! Try to
sweeten a sour child’s mood by taking about his or her favourite things or happy
memories. If you reach a homework
impasse due to your child’s mood, leave it and return to it in 30 minutes time or
so. Is the homework due tomorrow? If not, perhaps leave it today, if your child agrees that it will be done
tomorrow.
Be
a Detective – If your child won’t do the homework, ask why? There is a difference between not wanting to do the homework, to not being
able to do the homework. Does your child need extra help in a
subject? If so, be prepared to step in,
or find someone who can assist, like a classmate, teacher or tutor. If your child has a hard time sitting still
for a long period of time, or has a shorter attention span, break homework up
into two different sittings or offer a 10-minute break in between.
Offer
an Incentive – If you child works well with incentives, offer one for completing
the homework! It could be a simple
reward like playing outdoors with their friends, watching 30 minutes of their
favourite television programme, or doing a special activity on the
weekend. A reward chart works well for
this, with one week of completed homework equating to a special incentive that
you and your child can decide together.
Work
Alongside Your Child! – If you work alongside your child while homework is completed, you
will be able to discuss the homework together, correct your child’s work on the
spot, offer praise for a job well done, or encourage a procrastinating child to
keep working ahead. And chances are good
that your child will enjoy the companionship!
Go
Ahead – If
your child is in a groove and speeding through the homework, do try to work
ahead if the teacher permits it. Not
only will you get a lot accomplished, you will have the opportunity to skip a
day if you need to. This technique has
worked well for my children, who get their homework assigned on Monday, with it
due on Friday.
When
All Else Fails (Mommy’s Secret Weapon)! - If your child refuses to do
homework, reach for Mommy’s (or Daddy’s) Secret Weapon! Only you will know what will work with your
child in times of desperation. I had
tried threats, punishments, guilt-trips and bargaining without results! So, I use Mommy’s Secret Weapon: a note to
teacher stating that my child wouldn’t complete the homework and that I’m aware
of it. I have never sent it yet, but I
am willing to. This always snaps my
child out of his trance and gets the homework done!
This article is written by me, Jenna Em, and appears in the October 25th, 2012 issue of the Huffington Post Canada.
I think you're right that if we sit back and reflect, we can usually see what might work to get our children most motivated (until the get to high school anyway. ;) ).
ReplyDeleteI'm not there yet but thanks for the tips. I like the note to the teacher. Nothing the matter with making your child accountable for their actions.
ReplyDeleteBesos, Sarah
Zookeeper at Journeys of The Zoo
I commented on the kuklamoo post - but I think all kids are different when it comes to homework...a tip I heard a long time ago was some children do best continuing "learning mode" and doing HW immediately after school; others need a break from it and after dinner is best.
ReplyDeleteExcellent tips! I'll have to remember these when my son get to that age.
ReplyDeleteWe've struggled with this often and have found that we need to reward our child. Keeping structure and routine are essential as well
ReplyDeleteWe had homework for the first time this year last night. He kept asking why he had to do this project. It was a struggle but we got through it. Love your tips!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips. I pinned this for future help. My son is only 2 years old but we plan on sending him to french school as we live in Quebec. I know it will be very challenging for him and for us when homework time comes.
ReplyDeleteOhhh, note to the teacher ALWAYS work. I've only had to pull that one out a couple times.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips. My girls are pretty young and still enjoy homework and it's really easy. But as they get older I'm sure they will start to dread homework as it takes longer and longer to complete.
ReplyDeleteThese are really great tips, we are far off from this issue but I think I'm going to have to bookmark this!
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips! My girl just started grade 2 and we are trying to get the homework routine to run a bit smoother. Great suggestions I will keep in mind.
ReplyDeleteMommy's secret weapon is a good idea.
ReplyDeleteThose are some great homework tips! There is a fine line between trying to help and encourage our kids with home work and doing the actual work for them. I really like your tip on offering an incentive. Sometimes offering a little bribe can do wonders and it's not a bad idea.
ReplyDeleteThese are such excellent tips,my kids are finish school now and I do not miss homework
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this amazing piece of artile.
ReplyDelete