There are a few things you can do to make homework time easier for your kids. If they get home and you are all distracted, they may be tempted to chuck backpacks in a corner and scatter to watch TV or play video games. You have to establish a routine to let them know that telling you at five minutes till bedtime “I have homework” is not a good idea!
One of the best pieces of parenting advice I ever heard is “Let them fail once in a while!” My kids learned the hard way that if they don’t do their homework, I won’t let them stay up late to do it or let them make us late for school in the morning trying to finish. We have a strict rule: You get home, you bring me your backpack, you do any homework right then.
If they are really starving (they go to trampoline class after school, and sometimes the snack I send gets burned off!) I have a special stash of healthy options that won’t spoil dinner. I have to make them sit at the dining room table to eat it or they sneak off to their rooms to crash in front of the tube and never be heard from again!
We do our studying at the kitchen table because I can watch them while I start dinner. My son doesn’t get homework in first grade except reading, but I make him write all of his spelling words three times each, then read his books aloud. My daughter has homework in each subject, and we have a card on the fridge stating which day each is due back.
Another piece of parenting advice; NEVER do your kids’ homework for them. I look my daughter’s over, and if I see any glaring errors I tell her to take an extra look but I don’t solve the problem for her. She is responsible for listening in class. I will clarify a hypothetical question for her, but I expect her to learn, and she can’t do that if I do her homework for her.
Once the kids finish their homework, they know they can have free time until dinner. Since we have the routine, they are pretty good about getting their work done promptly without complaining, and then running off to play! This good habit is going to stand them in good stead in the future - it builds a great work ethic and helps keep them from becoming procrastinators who always put things off until tomorrow!
It is nice to see a parent that has a handle on homework without going overboard (doing it for the kids, calling teachers, staying up late, etc.) Does your son have to write the spelling words he already knows? If so, why? That’s just busy work. http://www.family-homework-answers.com
Excellent post! I totally agree that homework should be done as soon as they get home, and the dining room table is an excellent place. I find with my kids that once routines are in place, life is so much more manageable.
I make sure we have a rule about no playing until homework is done also!
Thanks for the extra tips - the snacks idea is terrific.
G
I loved hearing that you let the kids “fail” once in a while. As a teacher I have had my share of times when a parent tries to rescue their child from the consequences of not doing their homework. I guarantee you a teaching a much better lesson to your children that will benefit them greatly in their lives. Sounds like you are teaching your kids some great study skills, too!
I’m a young mom..so it’s nice to be connected to read write-ups like these…thanks for this post.