Building Blocks

Is homework a constant battle for you and your child?  Has it become something you both dread?

Here are a few tips to "lighten the load".

#1 Allow your child to have a break

Many children are overwhelmed when they have to start homework as soon as they get home from school.  Allow your child to take a break and relax before beginning homework.  For example, have a snack, play a game, just talk about how the day went, participate in physical exercise, or play outside.

#2 Set aside a special place for homework

Try to eliminate distractions as much as possible to allow your child to complete homework assignments.  Don't do homework in a busy playroom or in front of the television.  Set up a special homework table in a quiet area of the house to give your child the chance to pay attention to his/her work.

#3 Set a time limit

Don't expect your child to work for hours on homework.  Set a time limit.  If your child knows they will be done at a certain time, they are likely to be more motivated to complete the work.  For Kindergarteners, 5-10 minutes of homework is appropriate for their age.  First graders can work for 10-15 minutes, second graders 15-20, and so on.

#4 Break it down

If there is an assignment that is overwhelming to your child and they immediately state that they can't do the assignment, try breaking it down into parts and allowing them to take breaks in between.  For example, if your child has to draw 12 pictures for an assignment, break it down into groups of 3-4.  Let them know that they can play a Wii game for 5 mintues before returning to the next set of 3-4. 

#5 Don't wait until the last minute

Some assignments are given over the course of one week.  Make sure you break down the assignment for your child and have them complete a little bit of it each day so that they don't have an overwhelming assignment on the day before it is due.  Also, don't wait until 30 minutes before bedtime to complete homework.  By this time, your child is already past the point of being able to focus and complete their work.

Teaching your child good homework habits when they are young will help them develop good homework habits when they are in middle and high school and the work load is even greater.

For more information contact your Child and Family Development therapist.