How do I help my child with homework? (without doing it)

Your child’s first day of school is a day that you will never forget. Once school begins; waking your little one up, bathing, breakfast, dressing up and rushing for school become daily chores. Pep talks, gifts, motherly advice and scolding is what you need to push your little one to go to school every single day. But it doesn’t end there. The most intimidating part of your child’s school life is ‘homework.’ Yes, your child’s homework soon becomes a part and parcel of your parental responsibilities. Coping with your child’s mood swings, tantrums and unwillingness to study is to be faced every single day. So the question that’s probably hovering in your mind is ‘How to get the homework done?’ or “Should I help my child with homework?” without doing it to them? 

Let’s find out What do you do when your child is struggling in their homework, with 5 techniques, 6 useful tips down below.

How to encourage your child to do homework

Students who do not do homework or argue with their parents frequently about it will have higher stress levels. This stress can lead to a lack of motivation both inside and outside the classroom, leaving them behind.

It is important that parents take an active role in ensuring students complete homework so that their performance will not be affected. How can you make homework smoother? Instead of letting your child do homework, focus on how you can make homework a more enjoyable experience for your child. Don’t worry – it’s easier than you think!

#1 CONSTRUCTION STRUCTURE

Creating a schedule your child can follow will make it easier for them to sit down and complete homework. Set time and create special study spaces to complete homework, becoming part of your child’s nightly routine.

#2 GIVE YOUR CHILD ONE HOUR AFTER SCHOOL

Don’t force your child to do homework as soon as they get home. Allow your child to rest after school before starting homework. This break can help improve motivation and concentration when your child has to do homework.

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#3 PROVIDE MOTIVATION

Encourage and appreciate your child’s hard work after his or her homework is done. Something as small as senior years or compliments can boost your child’s motivation. You can also offer small rewards like a trip to the store or a special gift.

#4 LEAD BY EXAMPLE

While your child does homework, don’t participate in other favorite activities, such as watching TV. Read a book, do some research, or remove a chore from your to-do list.

#5 TALK ABOUT BENEFITS

Instead of yelling, discuss calmly with your child about why homework is important. Fighting with your child increases stress and frustration, making them unable and unwilling to focus on homework.

Tips to get your child’s homework done:

• Be a mentor, not a helper: It’s important for kids to accept homework as their personal responsibility. Just be approachable and accessible whenever they ask for advice. Remember constant spoon feeding is like calling for trouble so be a mentor and help your kid help himself.

• Probe: Asking questions like; which part have you understood? What according to you is the solution? Give me an example, etc. will develop a habit of thinking and problem solving.

• Finding the right time: It’s always advisable to fix a time slot for homework. It eliminates your child’s habit of procrastination. After school time and before play time is a perfect slot for homework.

• Inspire: Positive motivation works better than scolding and threatening your child. Motivate your kid by using genuine praise, appreciation or with a pat on the back.  Sometimes appreciation can be teamed with a candy, a favourite toy or by allowing some extra play time.

• Create a study zone: Make space for your little one to sit peacefully for his/her homework. Avoid placing study table next to the window or in living room, as it will distract your child. Ensure that TV and music system is turned off and toys and eatables are kept away from the study zone.

• Making Time: Teach your child to make time for completing homework.  Prioritizing tasks, subjects and other important activities is what your child must learn. Making a time table for homework, new learning and revision will help kids learn time management and organising skills at an early age.

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Encourage your child to help develop habit of completing the homework on time. After all a disciplined life is what will lead him/her towards success.

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