Building Healthy Homework Habits

 As any parent knows, homework and children can be a precarious and unpredictable mix.

It is through the work that a child brings home from school that parents gain insight into their children's school experience. Becoming involved in the homework process is a way for parents to feel connected to their children and to play an active role in their education. It provides an opportunity to offer support and encouragement as well as providing an opportunity to bond. While doing homework is not a child’s most relished time of day, it doesn't have to be approached with resistance, struggles, frowns, and a poor attitude. With practice and structure, homework time can be a positive experience for the entire family.  

The time that a child spends at home after school and other extracurricular activities is often limited so it is important to find a regular (but flexible) schedule which suits your child best. This will allow him the opportunity to manage his time, pace himself and finish assignments carefully and diligently. Homework must be a priority so if you find that, between lacrosse practice and piano lessons, there is little time for homework, then it is time to rethink the extracurricular activities. When children know the homework routine they have a framework that orders their world and lays the groundwork for success. Work, then play. Everyday.

When it is time to settle down and get to work, it is important for this to be a time free of distractions; no television, no radio, no iPods and, preferably, no cell phones. A quiet well-lit spot where the child feels comfortable with room to spread out is ideal. Disconnect from technology and plug into homework.

Parental involvement in the homework process shows children that mom and dad value education. Interestingly, children are more eager to do homework if they know their parents care that it gets done. It is the parent’s role to oversee the work being done and to provide guidance, not to do the work. Talking to your children about assignments and asking questions helps them think through the assignment and break it down into small manageable parts. In addition, conversations about how school work pertains and applies to life gives it a deeper meaning. It is important to promote independent learning and thinking while being available to offer support. Above all else, effective parents motivate their children by being avid learners themselves.

Communication with your children’s teachers is a valuable tool for parents. Not only does it reinforce the importance of homework and education, but it bridges the gap between school and home. Honest, open dialog with teachers assures the children’s individual needs are being met both in the classroom and at home. Keep the lines of communication open!

If homework becomes a constant struggle and the combined efforts of both the parents and the teachers fail to produce positive results, there are a host of local tutors who are qualified and eager to help. This link provides names and specialties of tutors in the Marlborough area.