When Homework Time Becomes a Nightmare

Summer has already come to an end and school’s daily routine is back in full force.

Trying to get our cranky kids ready in the morning, making healthy lunches and snacks, bringing our child to school as he screams all along the ride, picking our child from school who is crying from exhaustion…what a joy (note the tone of irony in this statement). These ordeals are banal in comparison to the moment when your child has to do his HOMEWORK.

In some families, homework time is a fun time. But for the majority of parents, the mere sight of our child’s school bag and the thought of helping him with his homework, has become grueling.

Here are a few tips to help us (and our child) cope with homeworks.

Some ideas to put in place

Your child should do his homework at the same location. Ideally, on a table free of clutter, with proper lighting, away from noise and electronics.
You know your child and when’s the best time for him to do his homework. For example, is your child more receptive in the morning? If your child is a bit more tired on Thursdays after karate classes, he could do homework he enjoys more on these nights or even have a homework free night? Organize your child’s homework schedule according to his inner clock.
To help your child get involved, you could divide his list of tasks. Plan the homework agenda with him. If your child is aware that Tuesdays are designated for his English homework and that Wednesdays are for maths (knowing that he participated in choosing his agenda), chances are he may be more cooperative than a child who is surprised with the tasks he must do.
Knowing that we are more tired and probably less patient on weeknights, try to do as much homework as possible during the week-end and keep weeknights to revision and studying.
Adopt a positive reinforcement system to reward your child who has actively and positively participated in homework time.
Homework time can become more appealing if done in a playful way (a computer for vocabulary, colorful chalks to practice additions and subtractions, special crayons for writing on the windows, etc.)

And if the horror of doing homework persists...

Do not hesitate to reach your child’s teacher. Keep in mind that you are collaborating for your child’s best interest and your child’s teacher may give you pointers to help transform homework time into a more pleasant time with your child.

Homework Time does not have to become a nightmare!

Happy School Year