20 strategies for helping with homework – tips from real parents

I don’t know about you, but I hated doing homework! I loved school but I just wanted to play once the bell rang. But when I look back, I realize that we didn’t really have that much work back then, at least compared to what our children now bring home everyday.

The amount of homework has increased over the years, but what is interesting is that children aren’t spending any more time doing it. So, they have to accomplish more in a shorter time.

How can you help your children cope with homework? Kids Health Notes readers – real parents themselves- speak out.

Here are 20 strategies for helping children with homework:

1. Let the children unwind first, and de-stress from school. Give a snack, ask how the day or school went. Bring them to the table but don’t have them play.
2. Don’t wait to start doing homework too late or they will get too tired or distracted and instead just want to play.
3. Most parents agree that doing homework before dinner is best. This leaves for a little family time after dinner.
4. Get rid of all distractions – no TV, computer, video games etc.
5. Find a quiet spot to do homework. As one parent said make it “a sacred” spot that is clean and with sufficient light and ventilation.
6. Have a “homework box” or supplies handy so they have everything within reach.
7. Teach them to figure out how to get the answers on their own.
8. Don’t try to get it all done, as it can be overwhelming after a long school day. Check their work after they’re done.
9. NEVER do their homework for them, even (and especially when) they forgot it.
10. When the kids are having a hard time understanding a concept, let them take a break and get back to it later.
11. If possible, work one on one with each child and send the other one to do something else while we are working, That way it is quiet and they have your attention.
12. If other children are done, or they have no homework, get them to do workbooks or worksheets to that everyone is at the table doing homework and no one is watching TV or playing.
13. Make it a family affair. If there are older siblings, have them help the younger ones. Involve both parents if around.
14. If you’re not helping them, it helps to stay with them: “just being near, folding laundry, clipping coupons, whatever, because I find that if I leave they start to wander”.
15. Praise their attempts AND their successes.
16. Hand out rewards for excellent work. Rewards can be creative and diverse, like extra play hour on the weekend, or time with Mom/Dad, a favorite treat.
17. For younger children: Try to find a way to make it fun. For example, play a game with spelling words.
18. Homeschooling? Try to do it all throughout the day but take short breaks in between subjects so it’s not so overwhelming.
19. Let the child read out loud.
20. Use the internet for resources, but always under parent’s supervision.

image: sxc