Homework Help: How to Lessen Homework-Time Drama

Tips for Getting Kids To Do Homework (Properly)

By the time we get home each day from school with our children, they are often tired, hungry, and ready for a break.  However, then we have to gear them up again to deal with homework!  (Cue the whining!)  Children these days begin having homework as young as preschool.  Therefore, as a part of life that we have to deal with on a nightly basis, how are we to keep our kids motivated and ourselves sane?

Set the Time and Place

Firstly, have a set location and time for your child to get his work done.  It should be a clutter-free, quiet place that is free of distractions.  For younger kids, you might want to have it near you (kitchen table, etc.) so you can monitor them until they get into the habit of doing everything on their own.  For older kids, a desk in their room might be sufficient.  Having a set time each day for your child to get the homework done also allows them to get into a consistent routine, which kids really need.

Provide Supplies and Organization

As a private tutor working with children in their homes, one of the first things I taught them were organizational skills.  Before kids can begin working on academics, they need to know how to organize themselves first.  Make sure your child has everything she needs to get her work done.  I have a “homework box” for my kids.  It contains everything they need to get their work done without having to get up and search for anything.  Pencils, sharpeners, glue sticks, scissors, and crayons should all be kept in the homework box.  Younger kids need to be taught how to approach homework, which is usually a skill we need to teach them at home.  Making a check list of what they need to accomplish and how they should get it done is a great way to organize your child. This helps them plan for tests and quizzes coming up as well.  Once they get into this routine after the first few days or weeks, you can step back and let them work on their own, which is the end goal.

Monitor and Praise

Be available to check on your child as he completes his assignments and clarify any questions he may have.  Don’t do the homework for your child.  If he is really struggling, let his teacher know.  Praise your child for a job well done.  Getting homework done well after sitting through a full day of school is a lot of work for young children, so when everything is done, let them know you are proud of them.
 
 
Meet The Bella Behind the Blog: Kristen Farley is a mother of three and a domestic goddess. She is a former teacher who enjoys spending lots of time with her kids, healthy eating, volunteering at school, and mommy blogging for the masses.

Be on the lookout for more of Kristen’s expert advice and brilliant tips!