Parents, you know the routine. You child comes home from school, and as you end your day, you ask their not-so-favorite question.
“Do you have any homework?”
Grumbles ensue. Mumbles are heard and the process of completing and checking homework begins. For some, this is not an unbearable process, but for others, it is an absolute battle of wills. So how can we as parents helps ease this daily grind?
Set Expectations
Children feed off of the environment we create. If we are negative about homework or portray that it is pointless, children will often adopt that same opinion. As the parent, you have to set the expectations for how homework time should be managed. Be positive, even when the assignment frustrates you. And, set a routine. If you want your child to have a snack when they come home and then start their homework, make that a daily routine. If you work and want your child to have, their homework finished (or mostly finished) when you get home so you can review it together, set that expectation.Be Active
Homework is a great way for you and your children to connect and a great way for you to know what is going on in your child’s world. As students get older, and school communication becomes less frequent, homework allows you a glimpse into the classroom. Being active during the homework process also lets your child knows that not only are you interested in what they are working on, but you are also involved.Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask your child some questions about their homework. Children today are learning things in new ways, and often much earlier than we did. Talk to your child about their assignments Find out what they are enjoying and where they are struggling. Not only will this give you some excellent insight into their academic lives, but it also helps you connect with them.Be a Resource
Once you are active and asking questions, you’ll notice your children might be more likely to come to you with questions. Don’t hesitate to be a resource for them! You have a lot of knowledge as a parent and might be able to offer them some guidance. And if you don’t, that’s okay. YouTube, Kumon, and many other places offer videos to help understand key concepts. Help your child search for a video on the topic for which they need help and then watch the video together. You might learn something!Homework is often a struggle, but it doesn’t always have to be. Setting expectations, being active, asking questions, and serving as a resource can keep you connected to their learning and help the homework battle.
Recommended Read: 7 TECHNIQUES FOR HIGH-IMPACT TUTORING
Pingback: 7 Techniques for High-Impact Tutoring - Lumos Learning