Doing homework is never easy – for the kid and for the parents. Kids all tired from school won’t lift a page, while parents who are exhausted from household chores or their day job won’t have patience. This is the ultimate formula for a crying spell or a cold shoulder. If you and your child have a hard time getting along while getting assignments done, you have to read on.
1.) Is it the best time?
Doing assignments, like other chores or tasks, should be part of the routine. Any sudden need to study at home after a long day at school will only result in defiance. Make sure your child is well-rested, well-fed, and has ample play time before sending the brain into action again. Some kids work best after a night shower or after some storybook bonding. Find what works best for them. Connect with them first with a meal or by watching something fun together. This sets the tone for a friendly study time.
2.) List it up and prioritize what’s urgent
There could be many assignments from different subjects. Parents can help their children learn how to prioritize by listing what’s urgent, what’s hard or easy to accomplish and then work on it one by one. Want to list it down in your own notebook? Use this colorful journal for extra motivation.
3.) Make it fun
On days that there is no homework, try some experiments or art activities to keep the “education” ritual going. Start with sand art sets, magnetic activity box, or puzzle cubes. Making it fun gives them an idea that it’s not all work and no play.
4.) Keep the clutter out
Declutter the learning space and make everything they need accessible. Keep pencils, crayons, paper clips and more in a space-saving storage that won’t fill up the entire desk.
5.) Remove other distractions
Work away from TV, gadgets, and toys. If space doesn’t allow a separate learning area, keep toys out of sight using a kid-approved storage box or this monster designed toy organizer shelf (now at 40 percent off!)
6.) Ergonomic experience
Work on homework using ergonomic tables and chairs so kids don’t tire easily. Get a study table and 2-chair set that can also accommodate a study buddy!
7.) Do they have enough vitamins?
Sometimes tantrums or poor interest are induced by lack of vitamins and minerals. Consult your pedia if your little schooler needs vitamins. Studies have shown that children with learning difficulties often lack iron. Check out multivitamins like Clusivol and Herbs of the Earth for Kids.
8.) Use teaching tools
Not all parents can be as patient as teachers. If you’re not into math and yet you have to help your child develop interest in the subject, try using this adjustable ruler for easy math operations. Need to make science more interesting? Get the Montessori method solar system kit.
9.) Avoid punishments
Sure, some kids will be scared at the thought of being punished due to undone homework. However, children will eventually correlate the task of finishing school work to unpleasant experiences. Instead of holding off that ice cream or of a no-mall weekend, motivate your child by making the homework time a bonding time. Talk about something both of you can relate to– whether it’s a TV show or a new idea–as part of an at-home task.
