How Can I Improve My Child's Homework Routine?
Part One of our Three Part Parenting Series
At Piece by Piece Therapies we endeavour to help families in supporting their young people to reach their true potential. In our parenting series we will be addressing common queries and concerns that parents have raised in how to support their children. To kick off we will be addressing a very popular concern of how can you improve your child’s homework routine.
For a lot of families the after-school routine can be hectic and overwhelming. A lot of families are rushing from school pickup to extra curricular activities and back home again. Many parents are finding it challenging to manage the difficult logistics of this, plus cook dinner and keep track of their child’s homework and study. At Piece by Piece Therapies we have put together three simple strategies to help your family, and your child, stay on track.
Pick a Regular Homework Time - This might sound simple but consistency and routine is incredibly supportive to young people. It can take the mental effort out of having to build up the motivation to start their homework if they have a regular, and expected, time locked in. If your family is busy and you have a lot of things on after school it can be helpful to create a weekly calendar where you have every commitment written down and the times they’re on. Then block out times for travel, dinner time, and relaxation time. After you have these all blocked out you’ll see the ‘gaps’ for where homework might be able to fit. This will help you to find a consistent time that fits in with all of your other commitments. Stick this on the fridge so the whole family knows when and where they’re meant to be.
Pick a Distraction Free Space - This might be easier said than done! However it’s critical for young people of any age to have a distraction free space to do their homework. A desk in their bedroom may be challenging as it’s surrounded by all their favourite things, including toys and screens. If you have scheduled in relaxation time (as suggested above) young people may be less reluctant to do their homework as they know they get free time every night. Create a space (maybe the dining table?) where they can sit and get their homework done; and ask for help if you’re nearby.
Be Accessible - For a lot of students their homework can be challenging and confusing. It may be hard for them as it could be a subject they find tricky, they’re stuck on a difficult question, or maybe they weren’t listening too well in class that day! It can be incredibly supportive to have a parent or carer nearby to ask questions and problem solve with. This helps them to stay on track and not feel defeated. It can also be incredibly supportive to your relationship.
Hopefully the above tips help you to start making small changes in building a great working environment for your child.
In our next parenting posts we will be exploring some tips on how to tackle screen time at home and some ideas on how to support exam stress.
Be sure to check back in soon for the next blog in our parenting series. If you, or your family, would like more support managing study habits or general well-being, please click the button below to get in touch.
Happy Homework-ing!