It’s only February and I’m already praying for summer to get here. Not just for the warmer weather but because I despise the homework routine.
Elijah: I hate homework.
Me: We don’t use the word hate, try another word.
Elijah: I think homework really stinks. Captain America doesn’t have homework.
Me: If it were supposed to be all fun and games , the word work wouldn’t be included. Start using your brain and get it done.
Elijah: My brain doesn’t really need any more work.
Okay we know homework won’t be the high light of anyone’s evening, but it doesn’t mean it has to be in the same category as eating broccoli or bathing. Hopefully these tips will make it a more positive experience and keep your child’s brain smart while saving your threads of sanity!
1. Start with a snack and exercise
After sitting in the classroom for seven to eight hours, the last thing your child wants to do is sit down for another hour as soon as he gets home. Offer a snack and send him outside for some fresh air with the reminder, “In _____ minutes, we will start on homework.” This allows your child to burn energy, pump oxygen to his brain, and will be refueled by homework time.
2. Offer the golden ticket
When your child is close to completing his assignments but seems to be finding every way to get out of doing the rest, remind of him his favorite activities. “Dude, you’re almost done, let’s get through the last few assignments so you can _________.” For my son, it’s either the tablet or riding bikes with his buddies across the street. This reminds your child of the rewards for time management and teaches him hard work pays off.
3. We can do it
When your child begins to view his homework as rivers of lava he will never get across, foster the “in it together” vibe. Sit next to him and get your own to-do list of “paper things” like bills done. This shows your child you are committed to completing your not so fun tasks and that he can get over those hot rivers without melting.
4. Establish a routine
Kids are routine oriented even though it feels like you’re raising wild animals most of the time. They thrive on a set schedule of when to eat, sleep, and play. The same goes for homework. Create a routine that fits your family. If you know your child has soccer on Tuesday and Thursdays right after school, create a back up routine for those days. The key to routines is consistency and sticking to it.
5. Divide and Conquer
Help your child with the assignments you are good at. I’m allergic to math so I help with assignments like English, social studies, and Bible study while my husband is great with math (ick) and geography,
6. Let him lead
If your child is stuck on a problem, ask your child what he knows about the assignment, sometimes talking about what he knows helps him process the question and he is better able to answer it. When he does come up with the answer, encourage him, “I’m impressed with how you worked out that problem, great problem solving skills.”
7. Help him get organized
Help your child get organized for homework, create a space where he can easily find items like pencils and paper so he isn’t distracted by looking for these items. It also helps to designate one area of the home or your car for homework. We have a homework drawer in the kitchen and our kids do homework at the table. If we’re on the run, we have items stowed away in a storage container under the seat. The lid is a great work space station too!
8. Know when to fold ’em
If feel like it’s a stand off in the middle of the street in a western movie it’s time to walk away, give your child space. Another option is to trade off with your spouse and remove yourself from the homework equation. Some kids actually perform better when mom and dad aren’t hoovering over the homework table. You can still be a great sounding board and offer encouragement from a distance.
9. Put him in charge
These days it seems like you’re in school right along side your child with all the assignments that come home, asking for parental support. While it is important to encourage your child, put him in charge. For example, if he forgets his spelling words, ask him what he should do about it. Once he comes up with a solution like calling a friend for the spelling words, help him follow through.
This helps your child realize you are not his nanny, and he can indeed do things on his own. It empowers your child to take responsibility for his homework.
10. Encourage
Praise your child as he gets through his homework, comment on your observations like, “You did a great job working your way through that problem,” or “I’m impressed you organized all of your assignments.” The Bible is filled with reminders about encouraging each other. Homework is one BIG area you can teach how to be an encourager while building up your child’s “God Esteem.”
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REGISTER NOW for the
2014 M.O.M. Conference ~ BETTER TOGETHER
July 31st – August 2nd,
Jacksonville, Florida at Trinity Baptist Church
Registration Information, Location, List of Breakout Sessions, Descriptions of Workshops, Conference Speaking Team, Better Together Conference Flyer, Better Together Bulletin Insert (Full Color), Better Together Bulletin Insert (Black & White), Better Together Conference Cards (Postcard Size)
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