Mommy Day by Day

Are you pulling your hair out every evening trying to get your child’s homework done?

Do you dread the afternoon just thinking about homework?

I see posts on social media all the time about homework. Parents are frustrated with homework and I so often hear moms and dads complaining about their child’s homework.

Here are some tips to try to make homework time a little easier.

1. Timing – Set aside a specific time everyday for homework. Homework should be the priority and not an afterthought. Right afterschool is the best time to do homework. I realize with busy schedules this may not always be the case but as close to afterschool as you can is key. Children are still in school mode immediately afterschool and they are more apt to remember what they learned and be able to apply the skills taught. 
2. A Special Quiet Spot– Create a special space for your child to complete their homework. This can be a desk or even at the kitchen table. Try to avoid places that will have a lot of distractions like the television or lots of talking. Ideally they should keep their phones and iPads off, unless they are needed for the homework assignment.  They should also have easy access to all the supplies they need things like; pens, pencils, glue sticks, paper. A good idea is to stick those items in a caddy that can go away in a drawer or closet when they are done with their work.
3. Check It Off– Have your child check off their assignments in their agenda or homework assignment book as they complete them. Checking off assignments as they are completed ensures that they don’t miss any assignments. It also gives your child a feeling of accomplishment each time they complete an assignment.
4. Do The Hard Stuff First–  Don’t save the harder assignments for last. Get them done right away . Tackling harder assignments first is better because your child will be fresh and won’t yet be fatigued by the other assignments.
5. Check Their Work – It’s okay to check your child’s work and have them make corrections. It’s not okay to do their work for them. Nor should you be spending tons of time reteaching the material at home. Especially with Common Core Math, you will find that you have no idea how to solve the math  problems the way your child was taught. If you find your child can’t complete the assignments because it is too hard you need to contact the teacher immediately. If you correct the homework every night it is hard for the teacher to understand where your child needs help. Teachers use homework as a way to assess students. If the homework is always correct the teacher will have no idea that your child is having trouble.
6. Set a Timer Homework has to have an end time. There is usually a policy regarding how much homework the children should have. Check out the homework policy at your child’s school. If your child is spending hours on end completing homework it is just too much. Depending on the age of your child set a time limit. For example 4-6th graders should take no more than an hour to an hour and a half. If it is going on for hours, just end it. Then write a letter to the teacher and let them know how much time it is taking your child to complete the homework.
7. Keep It Positive – Homework is not a punishment and should not be causing frustration or tears. Try to stay positive and be an advocate for your child by supplying them with a time, place, supplies and contacting the teacher when need be.