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Parenting
Homework

Many parents struggle with their children over homework completion. Homework is a valuable part of school because it allows the student to practice skills learned in class and learn how to manage their time and set priorities. Research suggests that “spaced practice” helps to assure that information is placed in long-term memory. That means that if your child practices long division in class, and then practices it again later at home, he is much more likely to remember the process. It is extremely important to start building good homework habits and routines when your child is young. Then it will not be such a struggle as they get older. Here are some strategies that will help make homework time more pleasant:

Finding the Right Place and Time

Some children can do their homework well in the middle of the family commotion at the kitchen table. Others need the isolation of a desk in their room. Benefits of the kitchen table include being able to keep an eye on your child while you are doing other things. But if they can’t handle the distractions, try a quieter place. After you have found the best location, have your child stick with it. Restrict phone calls, visits from friends, and television during homework time. Try to have a special homework time every night. Some children may need a break after school to run and play, while others do better if they get their work done right after school and then have the rest of the evening free. It is best if your child is required to do “homework time” even if he doesn’t have a specific assignment. Older children are especially good at reporting that they don’t have any homework when asked. However, if they are required to sit down each night and do something school related for at least an hour, they will eventually realize that they might as well start studying for that test they have next week.

Gather the Necessary Supplies

Time is wasted and patience decreases if your child has to constantly search for a pencil, paper, eraser, etc. Have all necessary supplies in the child’s study area. Other items you might want to have on hand include rulers, dictionary, highlighters, pens, scissors, glue, tape, colored pencils/markers, stapler and staples.

Organization

Keep your child organized by providing different colored folders for each class (cover the book for that class with a matching color), a folder for “things to do,” and a folder for “completed homework.” Make it a habit to put book bags in the same place when the kids come home from school. After homework is completed, place all needed materials back in the backpack and place it near the front door.

Breaks

Allow your child short breaks as each assignment is completed, not after a specific length of time. Use a kitchen timer to make sure breaks don’t last too long. Exercise breaks (go run around the outside of the house) can be productive for some children. No child should be expected to sit and do homework for more than an hour without a break. Younger children need more frequent breaks.

To Help or Not to Help

Many parents feel it is necessary to sit with their child the entire time they are doing their homework. If you do this, you are teaching your child that they cannot do it alone. Sit with them long enough that they understand what they are to do and how to do the assignments. For example, you might help them with one math problem and then let them do the rest by themselves. Be available if they would like to have you check the problems when they have been completed.

If your child has attentional problems that keep them from being able to complete an assignment independently, try using some incentives to promote independent work. If the child completes five math problems, you will help them with the sixth one. These children may need more frequent, short breaks than the average child.

Homework Contracts

Write up a contract if your child is having significant problems with homework completion. In it state what your expectations are, such as:

1. “Matt will complete all homework by 9 p.m.

2. Homework must be completed before Matt can watch TV.

3. On Fridays, Matt will have all his teachers sign a sheet stating that all homework for the week has been handed in.

4. If all teachers indicate that homework is done, Matt can enjoy his usual weekend privileges.

Consistency in your follow-through is crucial. If Matt does not bring home a good report from his teachers, he does not get the car during the weekend (or whatever privileges he might have). If Matt “forgets” to bring home the teacher report, you have no proof that homework was done so he loses his privileges. If you rely on Matt’s verbal assurance that everything was done, you have lost the power of the teacher report.



The above was adapted from “Homework Survival Guide, Parent Handout,” by the National Association of School Psychologists. Ask your school psychologist for a free copy.