Tired Of Homework Hassles?

Homework time can be as bad as getting your child to clean their room or mow the lawn. They’ve been at school all day, and they don’t want to sit down and do any more work. We're probably thinking that we can relate, because we felt the same thing. So, how can we help our child to avoid the hassle?

First, establish a specific time each day that is set aside for homework. Having a routine helps kids know what to expect, and they adjust better. Check your family schedule to find a time that can work consistently. For some families, right after school is best. For others, they do it in the evening.

Next, have all items needed for homework in the same area for easy access. If your child uses a computer to type reports, make it available in any easy, but accessible location. You don't want your child to be alone with a computer, especially with an internet connection, in these days and times. Also, keep a supply of pencils, crayons, paper, and markers – as well as a pencil sharpener, nearby so that your child isn’t spending homework time looking for supplies.

If you kids don’t have any homework, have them use the time getting some extra reading done. Remember, this is your alloted time for homework, so extra reading will be good for them. Also, help your kids keep track of deadlines for homework projects by writing them out on a calendar or another method of tracking. This will teach them daily planning.

Younger children will need help with their homework. It can be very frustrating if they don’t understand something and there is no one to help them. Make sure that you or someone else is available when they are doing their homework so they can get the answers they need when they need them. (Parents, study up!)

And, most important--Make sure your children don’t wait until the last minute to complete their assignments. It’s a lot of stress for them and you. I’m sure many parents have spent Sunday night helping their child finish up an assignment they 'conveniently' forgot about. And speaking of forgetting, where is their homework? Can you find it? Most all of, can they find it? You need to make sure they get in the habit of putting their homework away for school tomorrow. No parent likes the phone call asking them to bring something to school that their child forgot.