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Every parent wants their child to do his or her best in school. One of the assessments used to track a child’s progress in school is homework. However, most children don’t get excited at the thought of having to do homework, which can make it one of the most difficult things to get your child to do. If homework is a bone of contention between you and your child, then worry no more. Here are a few painless strategies to help put an end to homework conflicts, including some tips on how to use technology to your advantage.
Connect with help
For most parents, it has been years since they came across a high school math problem. No matter how much you want to help your children, there are bound to be times the questions they ask fall outside your area of expertise. Edmentum explains this is a good time to explain to your child you don’t know the answers, but you will help in whatever way you can.
Luckily, there are many services and resources such as STEMful‘s classes and camps, as well as online references such as Homework Helper and Fact Monster that can come to the rescue. Look for websites and apps that are age- and learning-level appropriate, in addition to matching with subject matter. Seeking additional help will not only have your child better prepared, but it also helps them develop research skills that will surely be helpful in the future.
Use appropriate tools
Along with curriculum changing, the tools children need for learning have evolved. It is no longer sufficient to stock a backpack with pens, notepads, highlighters, and paperclips. Kids need electronics to assist with their educational endeavors. To run current apps, videos, and other resources, your child needs a device, such as a tablet, that will be comfortable to use. Look for one with ample battery life, an excellent display and plenty of power and memory. Pair the tablet with a folio case so that it’s not only protected, but it makes looking at the screen easier for you and your child.
Kids Health points out many parents find it beneficial to install parental controls on whatever device is used, as that will only allow children access to the sites and programs necessary for school work. Not only will this keep your child focused, it helps protect your child from internet predators.
Create the right environment
Every child has his or her favorite workspace; for some, it might be the dining room table, while others might prefer the comfort of their rooms. Whatever the location, it is essential that you make it an environment that will provide the right working and learning conditions for your child.
Ensure that the space is comfortable, well-stocked with school supplies, well-lit, and free from distractions. For your child’s comfort, consider supportive, ergonomic furniture for lengthy study sessions, and add appropriate chargers for whatever electronics are used so your youngster doesn’t need to drop everything when a battery runs low.
Get more involved
Try to be close during homework sessions so you can offer guidance and support. Even when the assignment is outside your realm of knowledge, you can help your child interpret instructions and by reviewing the work once it’s complete. While being more involved is important, fight the urge to complete your child’s assignments or provide the correct answers.
Instead, encourage your youngster in a manner that will help develop your child’s problem-solving skills. Start by setting up a school work routine that details the time and place homework should be done. Instill organization skills by teaching them how to use a planner or a notebook to jot down the given assignments along with their due dates, or even encouraging your child to use an app that helps with organization and time management. Whatever solution will appeal to your youngster is a good one!
While rewarding your child is encouraged, you might also want to consider letting them know of the consequences of them not following the set homework routine.
