Things You'll Need:
- calm manner
- teacher's support
- homework area
- homework tools
- tutor (optional)
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Step 1
**Stay Informed of Homework Assignments** The first line of defense against homework battles is to know what you’re up against. Talk regularly with the teacher about homework assignments. If your child tends to “forget” homework at school or always answers no to your homework inquiries, see if the teacher will work with you to organize a homework folder. Then you could just look inside your child’s homework folder to view the assignments.
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Step 2
**Make Homework a Habit** Getting your child to do homework is easier when it becomes an everyday task. Brainstorm with your child to figure out a time and place that offers the most motivation for homework completion. Winning homework battles means involving your child in the decision process.
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Step 3
**Have a Homework Zone** Setting up an area strictly for completing assignments may also be helpful in providing motivation for homework. This area should have minimal clutter, noise, and other distractions so that homework is the focus. Have useful homework tools (such as pencils, erasers, and writing paper) within reach to prevent wandering.
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Step 4
**Provide Motivation for Homework** Giving your child a reason to finish the homework assignment is important. A personal motivator could be a favorite TV show coming on soon, more time with friends, or a fun family activity. Telling your child that a chore is next on the list of things to do is a surefire way of how to get your child to do homework—as slowly as possible, that is!
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Step 5
**Be a Homework Helper** If your child is frustrated by a homework assignment, be there to help. This isn’t to say you should do the homework for your child, but you can point him or her in the right direction by focusing on a simpler problem or asking related questions. A tutor is an alternative if you are unavailable to help with the homework assignment. Even an older brother or sister can be of use as a homework helper. Showing your child that you care enough to help out (or get help) is sometimes enough to spark motivation for homework.
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Step 6
**Find the Root of the Problem** If getting your child to do homework is still a battle, try understanding things from your child’s point of view. Be neutral during your inquiry; now is not the time for nagging or yelling (ha, is it ever?). The objective here is to uncover your child’s reason for not having motivation for homework and then figure out what to do about it. The more relaxed your child is during this discussion, the better the chances are of finding a solution together.
Comments
hopekee said
on 12/9/2008 Great tips! We sure do struggle with this some evenings. FIVE STARS!!
cadence said
on 12/9/2008 Great tips - doing homework is so important.
MotherDove said
on 12/9/2008 With fifth and seventh graders now in my home, I've become such a "homework helper" I actually have to study in order to help! This is TRULY a helpful article. It is of utmost importance that parents get more involved with their children's education. Many kudos for this article!
MommyBear said
on 12/8/2008 Definitely! Making it a habit & designating an area for study are great ideas, as well as the other tips. :) Thank you for sharing these! 5*****