How can I get my kids to do their homework?

For many parents, homework can turn into a battle ground. Kids will do anything to put off getting started and, once they have got going, there can be arguments and tears. There is plenty of advice online and on the book shop shelves but this post aims to provide some straightforward tips to make homework a little easier.

For many parents, homework can turn into a battle ground. Kids will do anything to put off getting started and, once they have got going, there can be arguments and tears. There is plenty of advice online and on the book shop shelves but this post aims to provide some straightforward tips to make homework a little easier.

1. Change the way you look at homework.

Can you look at homework in a different way? Stop getting worked up about the dreaded homework and see it is a chance to spend some time with your kids – you may even enjoy it!

2. Will nagging or bribery help?

This is tempting but try not to nag or bribe. Forcing your kids to do homework often ends in outright war and the end result will be a poor job done. You are concerned and do care if they aren’t getting the homework done, so let them know it.

3. Where’s a good place?

Just being close by can sometimes help get your child settled. Try doing the homework in a public area like the kitchen table.

4. Turn off the telly!

This is aimed at the parent. We want to put our feet up after a long day but getting the area quiet will help them. Also, they’ll see you’re available if help’s needed.

5. Nip the avoidance tactics in the bud.

Keep the paper, pencils, glue, scissors close at hand so there’s no excuses to get started.

6. Give them some notice.

Let your child know they need to get started 10 or 15 minutes before hand. They can finish what they’re doing and there’s less room for excuses.

7. Tell them how long they should take?

This depends on the age and level, perhaps under 30 minutes for younger ages. Perhaps use timers and they may even continue at the end to get the homework done!

8.Let them take a break.

Just like grown-ups, there is only so much learning a child can do in one go. Take some minutes away from the table or spread the homework over two or three days.

9. You may need to take a break!

If you feel yourself getting frustrated and angry, take a break. Getting cross doesn’t help you or your child. Take five or ten minutes to calm down.

10. Do Homework at the same time each evening.

A regular time can help fit homework around family routines, which helps everyone. Some kids work best in the afternoon; others may work better straight after the evening meal.

11. Help them make a plan.

Especially helpful for older kids heading towards exams. If there’s a big assignment to tackle or an important test, make a plan and try splitting the work into chunks with regular breaks.

12. Ask about school’s homework policies.

The school will have a homework policy. Can you get a copy and see how much time the school expects your child to spend on homework? This will help fix your expectations.

13. Buy a study guide.

Forgotten how to do long division? Study guides for the key stages can be a big help. You’ll see many of the methods and terms the teachers will be using.

14. Keep distractions to a minimum.

This really means no TV, loud music, or mobile phones.

15. Check ahead.

What needs to be completed this week? Check early and allow your child plenty of time to complete the work.

16. Praise the effort (and not the result).

Maybe the outcome wasn’t great but did they work hard at it? Mention the efforts to relatives. Ask how schools going then reward perseverance. Tell them that they’ve done well. A little praise can go a long way to getting your child to do their homework.

17. Set a good example.

Kids are more likely to follow their parents’ examples than their advice. If you tell them they need to get on with their homework, be around to help.

18. Back off!

This last one is probably the hardest of all. Try too take control and it may backfire by turning into a power struggle. In addition, taking on your child’s work may only end-up in very little learning going on. Often, guidance but not answers is an effective way children learn and a lot can be learned from the struggle to understand a difficult concept.

What happens when the effort stops and the results drop? That’s when a plan to get to get your child back on his feet is really needed. The going may get tough.

If you have any tips or advice? We’d like to hear them.