Most parents would agree that when their kids struggle with homework, it can be quite stressful for the entire household. Homework is not meant to cause stress, although if the assignment is too lengthy or complex, it often does! If your child was consistently stressed or frustrated with his/her homework last year, consider taking a look at their homework routine. Sometimes a little adjustment will make a huge difference and help to turn homework into a more positive experience. Here are ten tips to help kids and parents reduce the stress of homework time.
1. Have a Set Homework Space
This first tip is probably one of the most important recommendations you’ll get. Children need a set space to work that is away from the usual distractions of the house. Whether that space is a desk in their room or a designated office, having a quiet space is key to limiting homework frustration.
2. Get Started Early
It’s best to get started as soon as you can with homework. While all children are different, a general guideline is to start homework earlier in the day rather than later.
Waiting until later in the evening usually leads to less energy and time to complete the work.
3. Eat a Healthy Snack
For whatever reason, kids return home from school, starving! Allowing your kids to eat a healthy snack, will help give them some energy and keep them happy. Once they are fed, they are likely to be more cooperative and inclined to get their homework completed.
4. Review Your Agenda
This is an important step for all parents and children. Since most kids have an agenda that lists homework and any upcoming tests or projects, it is helpful to read through the items first before they get started. Reviewing the agenda helps to get an overall picture of what assignments are coming up, which allows for better time management. The agenda will also set a realistic time frame for how long homework should take each day and plan for time to complete longer projects due later.
5. Time Management
Managing your child’s time is key when it comes to homework. Try to limit distractions as much as possible so that your child can be more efficient with his/her time. A general guideline is to set the best possible time for your child to work. Some kids work better early in the morning, while others prefer to get their work done right after school before their extracurricular activities start.
6. Take a Break
If you notice that your child is making frustrated groans or you hear their chair moving too much, it may be time for them to take a brain break. This should be no more than 5 minutes of stretching, leaving the room, or going outside for a few jumping jacks. Sometimes a mental break is just what’s needed to give that extra boost of energy and help them finish their work.
7. Stay Positive
If your child is feeling stressed or anxious with the amount of homework or level of difficulty, remind them to stay positive. They can practice re-affirmation techniques and say phrases like “I can do this” and “ I will figure this out”. Taking deep breaths can also be a helpful tool when you see a child start to meltdown.
8. Give Some Adult Guidance
Although kids know that you too went to school once upon a time, it’s nice to remind them that you were once in their shoes. Provide them with some ideas of what you used to do when you were stressed out with homework or maybe what helps you focus when you have a deadline coming up at work. When your child sees they are not alone, it could help direct their efforts to the task at hand.
9. Do What Works
As your children get older, they will start realizing what works for them. This could mean listening to music while they do homework or calling a friend to work on the assignment together. If they are understanding the work and are getting good grades, sometimes it’s best to let them be.
10. Go to Sleep Early
Everyone knows that sleep is essential to being able to function the next day. No matter how old your child is, a routine that includes at least 9-10 hours of sleep is critical. So do yourself and your kids a favor, and go to sleep early.
Teaching your child how to handle the stress of homework is a valuable life skill. By implementing even some of these ideas, your child can start learning how to tackle homework with greater confidence.
Margie de Quesada is a former teacher turned family travel blogger. She writes about the places her family visits around the USA and has a bucket list goal to visit all 50 states before her kids graduate high school. You can read Margie’s travel blog at www.dqtravel.net.