Homework time can be a challenge for any kid. But when staying focused presents an extra hurdle for your kid, homework can become stressful for both of you. Here are three tips to make homework time less stressful and more structured:
First, pick a good homework spot. Get rid of as many distractions as possible. Trade being near siblings, pets, windows, and the TV for a spot with few chances for getting sidelined: a quiet room. Facing a wall, giving them all the supplies they need, and playing white noise (like a fan) will help them avoid simple distractions.
Second, organize the time. Setup a schedule you can manage — and make sure to add in breaks and rewards. Early afternoon is ideal homework time because medication hasn’t worn off yet. Break work down into small steps with deadlines to make the work less overwhelming, and schedule breaks every 10-20 minutes to help make focus time less work. You get extra credit if you add a positive reward to a break — playtime or snack time (but no screens) — and praise, even if your kid doesn’t finish their homework. Try switching up subjects, using a timer, or handing out tokens for finishing homework. Kids can trade in those tokens for TV or video game time and feel good they earned it.
Third, be proactive with what’s coming up. Know what assignments are coming up, when they’re due, and where finished ones go so they get handed in. It’s almost impossible to keep up with homework without knowing due dates or directions. Talk to the teacher about how assignments get communicated (a website or email) and use a planner to make sure no assignments and due dates get missed. Ask the teacher to tell you if assignments are missing or late. Losing or forgetting to hand in assignments makes homework even more frustrating, so create a place for finished assignments (like a folder) to help your kid when it comes time to pass them in.
You don’t have to dread homework time if you manage the spot, time, and schedule. Homework time can be fun — with the added benefit of teaching your kid how to tackle a stressful situation.
Deb Falzoi
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