Wednesday 6 April 2016

10 Tips To Get Your Child Do Homework

How we wish homework could be fun only if our kids also had a Doremon to help them with their homework! One of the biggest concerns of parents today is getting their child do homework on time and effectively. It’s quite understandable that homework sounds like a big task, uninteresting, and unrelenting, given the little time kids have to play, relax, and entertain themselves in this gadget-led age. Nevertheless, you’ll soon agree that it’s important to stick to a regular homework regime.
If you’re wondering why anyone would want their kids to bury their face again in notebooks and do homework every day, here is why:
5 Reasons Why Homework Is Important:
  • Homework reinforces concepts taught in school
  • Instils self-responsibility
  • Exercises brain and improves concentration
  • Self-discipline, time management, independent thinking and problem-solving
  • Bring a sense of accomplishment and confidence
Now, the big question remains, how to get your child to do homework? Here are some handy tips to encourage him/her:
1) Understand it’s important
Now that we know the benefits of having a regular homework regime, it’s essential that you make it sound appealing to your kid. If you don’t think it’s important, your child will never. Use encouraging words and subtly discuss about how learning helps build a secure future.
2) Stop the negativity
Homework should be fun. Everyday, ask your child what he/she did at school and if he/she has got some exercise sheets to revise it at home. When you discuss homework, show interest and eagerness, and not tension and anxiety. Don’t let your child feel even you hate it. Your yelling, threats, and bribes may work once a while, but create a sense of dislike for homework in your little one. Mind it.
3) Stick to a routine
Instead of pressing the panic button at odd hours about incomplete homework every now and then, devote a fixed time when your child would do homework and ask for your help, if need be. Make a timetable with his/her help and input. Stick it in his/her room. For some, it works well if kids finish their homework before they’re out to play. Sometimes, it makes sense to finish homework and pack the bags before they’re ready for dinner and family time. Whatever it is, make sure you keep a consistent time and routine for homework.
4)  Discuss and set rules
Discuss studies and homework with your child in a positive manner. Set rules like finishing homework on Fridays and having weekends free or having school bags packed before 9 pm on weekdays.
5) Let it be your child’s responsibility, not yours
Many parents create an atmosphere where they accept that homework is their responsibility—they just want their child to write and finish off work. It’s time to change the game! Empower your child to take responsibility for his/her homework and project work. Let him/her tell you what’s to be done, what is required, by when he/she should be able to complete it, and if he/she wants to do it independently—without your constant supervision and nagging. Gradually, kids will learn to own the responsibility of their homework.
6) Get the basics in place
Give your child thoughtful gifts like an exciting study table, good stationery, art items, calculator (if required), dictionary, or table-clock, etc. Be prepared when he/she has project work. Ensure that he/she isn’t short of any items to complete the work. Make sure the room is well-lit and without any distractions. For older kids, a computer and printer may be essential. Provide good nourishment and teach them time management.
7) Be a comforter and a facilitator
Encourage your child to work on his/her own. Improve his/her concentration and critical-thinking skills. Understand your child’s challenges. Be there only when he/she needs you. However, let him/her know for sure that you care and are proud of his/her self-discipline. Encourage your kid to involve you or inform you about the homework progress and any interesting learning he/she acquires. Share a moment in between, instigate laughter, and ease off the pressure. Better check if he/she needs help of the elder sibling or tutor.
8) Share tips, make it fun
Tell your kid to do the difficult part with your help first and then he/she can quickly finish the easy part when he/she is tired. Give him/her tips to remember spellings and how to form spellings by breaking the words. Tell your child how cursive writing can lend speed. Create jingles or thumb rules if telling something repeatedly doesn’t help. For example, to teach your child vowels, create a jingle including letters a, e, i, o, u! Teach your kid cutting-pasting, taking a print-out, and make sure he/she picks up the skills to do it on his/her own the next time.
9) Fix Rewards
Give your child some incentive if he/she does homework responsibly throughout the week. Reward with exciting games and fun time complete with praise and pat on the back. Tell your kid you’re proud of him/her for being proactive, organised, and responsible. Tell the world—your friends and family—about your child’s love for studying, reading, etc. Chances are your kid will never let you down. Understand what motivates him/her. Reward with extra time for television, outdoor play, or more games and storytelling session with grandparents!
10) Hard work is the key
Preach hard work. Explain to your kid the meaning of idioms and proverbs like ‘practice makes a man perfect,’ ‘stitch in time saves nine,’ etc. Tell him/her that to become successful and a genius, there’s no escaping from hard work. Homework will keep coming back. So better do it every day. Remind your child about the consequence of not completing his/her homework. He/she surely wouldn’t want to be the odd one in the class. While your child is working hard at completing homework or studies, ensure that you do your homework—house chores, cooking, readying bed, reading, research on topics he/she wants help with, ironing school uniform, etc. Show him/her you’re hardworking as well!
Want to share tips for getting your child to do homework or studies? Write in the ‘Comments’ below!