Now that most children are back in school, have they started coming home with homework yet? Are they struggling to get it done? Are you trying to figure out how to help make the process easier and not as stressful?
Getting back into the routine of doing homework can be hard as children have most likely gotten out of the routine. It may not be the easiest routine to start, but once it is part of a daily routine it should be easier to accomplish. If your child is having a hard time sitting still to accomplish homework, this could mean it could help to have a break before completing homework. Children need to sit at their desk for most of the day in school so it may be hard for them to come home and need to sit to complete homework immediately. This break does not need to be very long, but for some children you can set a timer so that they know when they need to start. Depending on how much homework is assigned and how long it will take to do, some children may need breaks during their homework as well. If they are getting distracted and having a hard time focusing, then it is only going to take longer to get their homework done and will most likely cause frustration for both parents and child. There are some families who set a timer for how long the breaks are and how long they need to spend doing homework before the next break. The break should allow the child to get up and be active for a little while so that it will be easier for them to sit and concentrate while completing homework.
Having a designated area for homework can also be helpful. If your child knows where to go to get their homework done, then this is not something else that needs to be figured out. It will also be part of the routine if homework is consistently done in the same location. This area should allow for the child to be able to concentrate and not be distracted as well as have all of the tools they will need to accomplish their homework such as pencils, pens, paper, and whatever else may be needed.
Some children may struggle with their homework as they are not sure how to complete the homework or understand the materials. If they are struggling with the material, it is important to work with your child where they are at. If it is something that you know how to help with, then this can be a solution, but make sure that you are able to remain calm while helping your child. If you are getting stressed out and frustrated while helping with homework, this will just make the experience harder. If it is material that you are not sure how to help with or working with your child is causing tension, it is always a good idea to look for a tutor. It is easier to help your child when the struggle begins rather than waiting and having the information pile up. If you feel that the homework is too complicated, you can ask the teacher for some guidance and see if the teacher has any suggestions as well.
Establishing a routine for homework is essential as it is something that is going to continue as your child progresses in school and the older they get, the more homework that gets assigned. Communicate with your child and ask them what they think would be beneficial and help them to get their homework accomplished. The more involved your child is in establishing the routine, the easier it will be for them to carry it out. If you are unsure of how to help your child or establish this routine, feel free to reach out to me.