Does the mere mention of the word “homework” send chills down your spine? Do you envision sitting at the kitchen table for hours helping your child complete their homework? Is it a battle of the wills to even get your child to sit at the table to start doing homework? Do you get so frustrated you do the work for your child? These are situations that can occur in any household. How to end the homework “hassle” is a question asked by parents.Questions to Consider:
• Whose responsibility is it to do the homework? Yours or the child?
• Does your child understand the assignment given?
• Is there a routine time and place set for the child to do homework?
Homework is meant to be practice for children of concepts they learned in school that day. Homework reinforces the learning and gives children a chance to independently practice what they have learned.
Tips to Remember:
• Homework is between your child and the teacher. If the child does not complete their homework, this allows the teacher to discover the reason – didn't understand, chose to do other things, or whatever. The child needs to take responsibility for what was not completed.
• Don't help unless your child asks. Only explain what they need to do, resist doing the work for them. Otherwise what lesson has your child learned ? If I whine and say I can't do it long enough, mom or dad will do it for me.
• Avoid the urge to rescue your child. Whether your child completes their homework or not, is not a reflection on you. It does say something about the child. When children are allowed to experience the consequences of their actions, they internalize the message.
• You can assist your child by making sure they have a regular time and place to do homework. Make sure they have the necessary supplies – paper, pencils, erasers, crayons, etc.
• Smile and encourage them. Let them know you believe they are capable and responsible. You know they will do a good job.
• Don't help unless your child asks. Only explain what they need to do, resist doing the work for them. Otherwise what lesson has your child learned ? If I whine and say I can't do it long enough, mom or dad will do it for me.
• Avoid the urge to rescue your child. Whether your child completes their homework or not, is not a reflection on you. It does say something about the child. When children are allowed to experience the consequences of their actions, they internalize the message.
• You can assist your child by making sure they have a regular time and place to do homework. Make sure they have the necessary supplies – paper, pencils, erasers, crayons, etc.
• Smile and encourage them. Let them know you believe they are capable and responsible. You know they will do a good job.
Sandy Ragona and Stefani Weber are Guidance Counselors at Kennedy Elementary School in Dubuque,Iowa, USA. Sandy has recently authored a book entitled, " Please Stop, I Don't Like That!” and it's available from Amazon.com Sandy is one of the district's foremost authorities on bullying behavior.
