No one wants to have to do work at home after a long day at school (or the office) but it still needs to be done. Here’s how to make life easier for you and your children when it comes to school homework!
The summer holidays are over and the new school year is upon us, and that means a brand new battle to get the homework done. As parents, we are all guilty of avoiding the inevitable confrontation and simply ‘helping’ our children out to the point of actually doing it for them. In fact, a study in 2014 found that a staggering one in six parents admitted to doing their children’s homework for them! But is that really the way to go? We put together these helpful homework tips to try and make that transition as smooth as possible!
1. Be there
A study by Epstein and Van Voorhis in 2001 found that parents were generally keen to support their children with homework, but, at times, they found it difficult to know how to help or why they needed to be involved. But remember, if you show willing, so will your child. Monitor or supervise their homework so they understand the importance of doing it, but keep your distance. You want them to work through it by themselves, and not rely on your input to get it done.
2. Ask for help
If you are struggling to understand the homework that your child has been set by their teacher, or the quality they require, then speak to them directly. Do not feel you can’t approach your child’s teacher to find out more about a particular task, especially if you do not understand what it involves.
3. Create the right environment
You need to create an appropriate environment at home for your children to carry out their homework. It is also a good idea to build a structure to the process so they know what they should be doing when the time comes.
4. Make it fun
If getting homework done at home isn’t working out well, suggest that they try and do it during an after-school homework club. This is not only great for your child’s social skills but they will also learn to work through and solve problems together with their classmates, as part of a team.
5. Reward success
Rewarding good behaviour and a positive homework success rate can be a good motivational tactic but be sure to help your child understand that the true benefits are a good work ethic and better results in the future.
