STRATEGIES

STRATEGIES TO BE USED WHEN THE INEVETABLE HOMEWORK RESISTANCE CROPS UP.

1. Do It Early

Give your child a time frame in which to get down to business. In your household, this may be before or after extracurriculars. Basically, work with your child to identify the time when their energy and focus are at their peak. This gives your child some control over their schedule. (Some kids need a longer break after school, and others need to start right away to keep the momentum going.) 

2. Call a Friend

From kindergarten onward, kids should have a list of three or four classmates they can call on when they forget an assignment, or even just to ask a question. Study buddies can provide motivation for each other to get the work done. 

3. Collaborate to Build Confidence

When kids do not understand a concept right away, they may feel like they are not smart enough and start to shut down. In fact, short-circuit negative thinking by sitting down with your child and figuring out the first problem in the assignment together. This should help jog their memory to complete the rest. Then, heap on the praise: “You did a great job on that one! Then must try the next one.

4. Change the Scenery

Sometimes something as simple as changing up their workspace can boost a child’s motivation and, in turn, their confidence. If your child has been working alone at a desk or designated study nook, perhaps they would be more comfortable doing their homework in a public area, like the kitchen table while you are preparing dinner. Conversely, if they have been working in a high-traffic part of the house, they might need a more private space in which to focus. 

5. Keep the Positive Feedback Coming

Younger kids need instant feedback, so it is okay for parents of young grade-schoolers to correct mistakes. Follow this up with specific praise about what your child has done well.

6. Leave the Room

Kids who drag things out are often doing so for your attention, they are enjoying the interaction on some level,” explains Grace. Therefore, avoid joining in. If you must stay in the room, have your child work in a spot that’s farther away from whatever you are doing.

7. Beat the Clock

Sometimes procrastinators just need a jump-start. If that’s true for your child, try to set a timer for five minutes and have your child work as quickly and steadily as they can until the timer goes off. At that point, they can choose to take a short break or keep going. Racing against a timer gives kids an external sense of urgency if they don’t have an internal one.

8. You should plan.

To get the most out of your days, include every appointment, such as from sports practice to meals to reading time, on a big calendar or schedule log and stick it in a central place where every member of the household can see it.  Moreover, if you know that certain nights present a conflict with your child’s homework schedule, you can ask for the week’s assignments upfront and work with your child to decide the best times to complete them. In addition, teachers will often work with you on this, but most parents are afraid to ask.

9. Choose the right study area

Keeping in mind that children get distracted very easily, create a comfortable study area where they can focus on their assignment without any likely distractions from devices, pets, play items, or family members moving around.

10. Study routines.

Making your child’s study routine is essential. It will help him or her stay focused on completing assignments and studying for exams. Setting a proper schedule can also help your child stay on task. It will make it easier to finish the tasks at hand. In addition to setting a schedule, parents can also use rewards or timetables to encourage their kids to study. These rewards can help them feel more motivated and productive and make it much easier to get through their homework.