Homework Hacks

Not only can homework be a headache for kids, it can also be one for parents! For me, I have one child who finishes homework before we get home, and one who will ask me 5 random things, talk about what we should have for dinner, tell me about his friends and at the end forgets all about school. Balancing each kid’s individual work style can sometimes be tricky. When it is homework time, I sit together with Enzo— chances are Nadia's homework is completed. I like to stay close to the kids, in case Zo or Nadi have questions or want to show me their progress.

Here are some tips that help us survive homework time:

- We do homework at a designated area

- We agree on the time and try to predict how long will the homework take (its usually about an hour)

- We dial down distractions (no TV, phones, iPad or games)

- If they don't have homework, we will practice multiplication or read for 30 minutes

- I don't threaten what will happen if they don't complete their assignments. I often say that Mommy's job is to go to the office and homework is a part of their job

- When they are stuck on a certain task, I try to redirect them and make sure they read the question again (usually that's where the misunderstanding is)

- I don't flat out give them answers when they are struggling. If anything we struggle together, especially with math LOL

- When I find errors in their work, I don't criticize them. We review the work together and I try to pinpoint the area of difficulty

- I encourage them to do their own research: go online, talk to a sibling, or watch a video

- Instead of saying "you have to," I say, "you get to." It sends positive messages. 'I get to' feels like an opportunity and not a burden

- I encourage them to take it one step at a time and know that I’m here if they get stuck. I also ensure them that they have time to do it and do not need to stress.

- I try to say, "All you can do is do your best. Your teacher and I care about your effort, not being perfect.”

The hardest thing for me to do is discouraging perfectionism, because I was raised differently in Poland. I am still working on accepting work that may not result in an "A". I have learned that a parent's recognition of the effort is the greatest incentive you can give your children.

I hope these tips will lead you to a path of more productive, peaceful, and pleasant homework.

How do you help your kids stay on top of their homework?

XX,

MD