As with so many things about parenting, what works for one family is the complete opposite of what is best for another when it comes to homework. Child 1 does best when she gets her homework done as soon as she gets off the bus; Child 2 needs a lengthy break before cracking open the books.
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Here are some tips for getting through homework time without a daily meltdown.
* Tip #1: Play before (home)work. The rule for me growing up was that I had to do my homework before anything else. I do the complete opposite with Kay. When she gets home, she wants to play, but even more, she needs to move around. She gets changed into play clothes, has a snack and it's playtime! Homework will still be there when the playing is through, and it's much easier to encourage her to get to work when she's expended some of that energy. (This has actually been proven - time spent playing not only decreases stress but actually increases the ability to focus when the time comes to do the work.
* Tip #2: Pick a spot...or three! The common wisdom on homework is to set aside a calm place to do it. For a lot of kids that undoubtedly works wonderfully. But other kids will get bored with the same old thing every day. A clip board to bring their homework to different places can be a great help. Take it outside, lay on the couch, set up a special "homework fort" - if they can prove that they can get it done, let them do it the way that works best for them!
* Tip #2: Pick a spot...or three! The common wisdom on homework is to set aside a calm place to do it. For a lot of kids that undoubtedly works wonderfully. But other kids will get bored with the same old thing every day. A clip board to bring their homework to different places can be a great help. Take it outside, lay on the couch, set up a special "homework fort" - if they can prove that they can get it done, let them do it the way that works best for them!
* Tip #3: Stress-busting. School is stressful, even for the youngest kids. Sitting still all day and (hopefully!) paying attention is a lot of work for some children. When Kay gets home, she's usually in meltdown mode. The first thing she does after school is active play - ride a bide, swing on the monkey bars, anything to burn off some of that extra energy.
When it's a nice day we walk to the park; when it's rainy she bounces on her exercise ball .
Sometimes sensory materials prove to be a great tool in helping her unwind. I'll put out some kinetic sand or even just a tub of water and it inevitably has a great calming effect on her.
* Tip #4: Who's homework is it? You've heard this one before - it's their homework. Staying nearby can help them feel less isolated while they're working, and makes you available for any questions that come up, but ultimately it needs to be their work. Resist the urge to correct it - I find this so hard! - so that the teacher can see what your child knows and what still needs work. Support always, but never just do it for them.
* Tip #5: Make it playful! - This is my favorite! Whenever possible, I try to add in a little playfulness to her homework. Practice spelling words while jumping on couch cushions, add and subtract with the help of toy cars.
* Tip 6: Breaks are crucial. The rule-of-thumb for homework is that ideally kids will be assigned 10 minutes for each grade level. For example, a 1st grader shouldn't have more than 10 minutes; a 6th grader could have an hour's worth. So while this isn't as applicable in the younger grades, make brain breaks not only available, but encouraged.
What helps your family make it through homework time? I'd love to hear what works for you!
Also, share your back to school stories and tips on social media using hashtag #FallBacktoSchool.
Title image photo by David Castillo Dominici via FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Boy doing homework photo by Chris Yarzab
Boy doing homework photo by Chris Yarzab
