Is homework an ongoing battle at your house? Well, you’re definitely not alone. Though we all want our kids to succeed in the classroom, it’s exhausting to nag them to get their homework done every single evening. With these helpful strategies from NieCat Life Coaching, you may be able to make homework a little less painful in your household.
Provide internet access
Even if you limit screen time in your family, your kids likely need access to the internet for their homework. According to Speak Up, 79% of high school students and 69% of middle schoolers use the internet to do their homework at least a few days a week. When it comes to internet service, your best option is typically an unlimited plan, especially if your kids occasionally have to do their homework outside of their home.
With unlimited service, even if the base price is higher, you won’t have to worry about overage charges, which can add up very quickly. It’s also important to teach your kids about safe internet practices and establish some online rules for your family to protect them while they are using the internet.
Set up a homework station
No matter how big or small your home is, consider designating a specific area where your kids can get their homework done. Many children like to lounge in their bedrooms while doing their homework, but that isn’t always the best solution. It can be more productive if they are sitting in an appropriate chair, at a desk or table, and in a well-lit area of the house that is free of distractions. This area should be free of clutter and messes to keep them focused, and you can add some indoor plants to relieve stress.
Parents should be relatively close by and available to provide feedback whenever possible; however, if you’re working from home, know that you may need to establish some boundaries to prevent work interruptions. Work with your child to create a schedule that meets everyone’s needs.
Another thing to consider: believe it or not, the temperature can have a profound impact on your child’s work habits. If the study space is drafty, take steps to fix it. There are DIY steps you can take, but damaged windows should be repaired. Luckily, Angi has plenty of listings for residential window repair, with the national average repair cost around $290, depending on your area.
Break up the routine
Some kids just can’t pound through all their homework without a break. If your kids work better in spurts, set a timer and provide breaks often, but make them short. Also, gauge your child’s interest and energy level to figure out a routine that works best. Some children prefer to start on homework as soon as they walk through the door. Others need a snack and time to decompress before they can get started. Other children, may work more quickly and productively after dinner.
Get some help
If your child is truly struggling with the work, a tutor might be your best solution. As a parent, you can help them but many children respond better to an outsider when it comes to teaching – and sometimes the subject is out of mom’s and dad’s comfort zone. Additionally, it never hurts to get an outside perspective, so if you’re having a hard time getting through to your child, you can also benefit from the expertise of a teen coach.
How much is too much?
According to Edutopia, The National Education Association and the National PTA agree with the standard of 10 minutes of homework per grade level each night. However, in many schools across the county, the amount of homework that is being assigned these days is excessive. Too much homework can lead to family conflicts, as well as lack of focus, a decrease in comprehension, an increase in stress, and even physical illness. If you feel like your kid has too much homework, it may be time to meet with the teacher or administrators to discuss your options.
Homework can be challenging at every age, and frustrating for both children and their parents. However, by working with your kids to establish a consistent routine, as well as utilizing technology and assistance, you can make things a little easier on your children and yourself.
NieCat Life Coaching specializes in personal growth, parental skills, and teen coaching.
Call 305 761 5135.
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