Now that we’re finally back to school, your kids will find themselves, for better or worse, burdened with unprecedented quantities of homework. Getting them to actually do the work may be tricky. However it’s crucial that they get into the habit of doing it. Independent study makes it easier to get to grips with all of the knowledge and skills that they’ll need to accumulate, It’ll stand them in good stead for future exams and careers where they’ll need to get on with things without a teacher (or parent) breathing down their neck. Plus, if your children don’t do their homework, then you may well find yourself embarrassed at the next parent’s evening.
So, how do you get the ball rolling, and persuade your children that homework is actually something worth doing? There are a few strategies that have proven to be effective.
Do it Now!
Whenever we’re faced with an unpleasant chore, there’s a temptation to put it off until later. But this is almost always the wrong habit to get into. If your child is given a week to write a thousand-word essay, then it’s almost always best to do it on day one, and then take a final look the evening before the due date.
For this reason, it’s worth setting aside time for your child to do their work immediately after they’ve gotten in – or at the very least, immediately after dinner. They can then reward themselves with more fun activities, like videogames and television, after their allotted work is complete.
Create a Routine
Without a structure at home, your child might find it difficult to manage their time. As such, it’s worth taking steps to get dinner on the table at a regular time every evening. It might be that you have your own work to get on with in the evening. If this is the case, then you can do it at the same time as your children do their homework.
Create the Right Environment
The more distractions there are in your child’s working environment, the more difficult it will be for them to focus on the task in hand. Keep work areas free from any screen-based distractions. If you have several children, then set aside a communal coffee table where you know they won’t have to contend with any loud noises, flashing lights, or other sources of entertainment.
Don’t take control
Independent study is a skill that needs to be practiced. In this respect, it’s a lot like going to the gym – your personal trainer might be able to encourage you, but they can’t actually do the exercise for you. So, don’t be tempted to make homework choices on behalf of your child, and guide them through every task. You only need to give them the time to perform on their own. If you do any more than this, then you’re only hurting their progression in the long-term.
