How to Balance Homework and Chores

Between doing your homework and handling household chores, it may sometimes seem as if there aren't enough hours in the day to balance your busy schedule. Both your homework and your chores are important because they teach responsibility. Being organized and prioritizing your time is the best way to balance your homework and your chores.

Instructions

1. Make a checklist of the chores that you need to do. Keep the list in an area of the house to remind you of your need to balance homework and chores. This could be anywhere, including your bedroom or the refrigerator.

2. Write down a before and after school schedule. It will help you keep track of your time and get the most important things taken care of right away. For example, you might make your bed and take out the trash for your morning schedule, then clean your room, vacuum and do homework after school.

3. Take a quick 5 to 10-minute break between tasks. This will help to energize your mind and body so you can continue on to finish the work that you need to do.

4. Revisit your checklist after you complete all of your chores and homework to make sure you did everything on your list. Complete any tasks that you miss, then review the list of chores that you will do in the morning.

5. Find a good balance of chores that you can do in the morning and in the evening so you have plenty of time to focus on your homework after school and to prepare for any tests.

Tips & Warnings

• If you attend a study hall during school or attend an after school program, use that time to get most of your homework done before you get home. Then all you need to do is go over the work with your parents.