This article is written by Rhonda Moskowitz, M.A. PCI
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When school begins, homework is not far behind. For some children getting back into the groove of completing assignments simply falls into place. For others, just getting started is a challenge. What can you do to set the stage for good homework habits?
What are you responsible for?
This is your child’s homework, not yours. It is not your job to do the assignment (that goes for science projects, too). But there is plenty you can, and should, do.
- Set the expectation that homework is to be completed. This is the most important thing you can possibly do. In my family beginning in first grade you came home from school, ate a snack, and completed your homework. Then you could play. There were no other options. Yes, there were schedule changes as they got older and they participated in extracurricular activities. By then they had internalized the expectation and it wasn’t an issue.
- Time for homework needs to be part of the daily routine. Earlier is better, because it’s harder for a tired child to focus on a less preferred activity. Many families don’t have the luxury of being home at 4:00 PM to get homework started. If this happens in your house, help your child divide the homework into chunks. There may be time for a chunk before dinner and then one afterwards. Consider speaking to your childcare provider about getting homework started shortly after your child arrives.
- Environment is important. I’m a big believer in having a spot set aside for homework. A desk is nice, but the kitchen table works well too. For some kids lying on the floor is the way to go. Most important is to eliminate all distractions during this time. No TV, no computer games, no cell phone dinging away, just your child and homework.
- Supplies. Buy what you need for the entire school year now while everything is on sale. Keep extras in a specially designated area (a desk drawer, a large see through box, etc.) so materials are always available. Keep supplies that are used daily close to the place where homework is completed.
What is your child’s responsibility?
Your child has just one job.
- To do the homework. That’s it. You’ve set the expectation and the structure. There’s no fun (friends, media or technology) until homework is done. Your child is responsible to her teacher for the homework.
What will your child learn when homework is his job and not yours?
- Exactly that. It’s his job. No one is going to do it for him. Isn’t that what raising a responsible child is all about?
- There are real life consequences for everything. If you don’t do your homework your teacher is going to talk to you. There will be a consequence for that choice.
By creating a structure with clear expectations the stress around homework will dissolve. You’ll have more time to enjoy your children, even on a busy school night!
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Featured Contributor: Rhonda Moskowitz
With over 30 years experience as a parent coach, speaker, and educator, Rhonda shares her natural humor and genuine caring with parents. Her goal is to help moms and dad create the loving, life long connected relationship with their children that they dream of.
- Website: practicalsolutionsparentcoaching.com
- Facebook: @PracticalSolutionsParentCoaching
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