No one likes homework. After a long day of school, it is the last thing a child wants to do when they get home.
It’s a hard truth. But, understandable.
Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be a struggle. There are ways to make it easier and maybe even fun!
So when you have a wiggly, giggly child who has a hard time sitting still and completing their assignments, here are 9 things you can do to help.
Kids thrive on routine. Familiarity brings comfort. Knowing what is coming next frees up their mind to focus on other things (like that math assignment due tomorrow!).
Just like it’s important to have a set time each evening to work on homework, it helps to have a designated space set up with all the items necessary to be successful.
This doesn’t need to be anything fancy. It can be as simple as the kitchen table and a basket with needed supplies.
A good hearty snack is a great way to help your child get their work done without their mind wandering.
When little bellies are hungry, it’s hard to focus. Make sure your child is fed and has a glass of water before expecting them to sit down and concentrate on assignments.
When your child comes home after a long day of sitting and doing schoolwork, the LAST thing they want to do is immediately sit down and do more.
Instead, let them have a snack and play outside for 20-30 minutes. Let them run, swing, hop, and spin. Get those bodies moving so that can come back centered and ready to work.
Speaking of moving their bodies…sometimes kids just need to wiggle. Sometimes the simple act of sitting and writing is too much.
If that’s the case, make sure you have a few tricks up your sleeve to meet this need for your hands-on learners.
Keep a basket of small toys for fidgeting fingers. Maybe swap out the desk chair for an exercise ball. This not only lets them bounce and move, but it also strengthens their core.
Point is, allow for wiggle room in your new homework routine.
One of the best things you can do to equip your student for their teenage years and beyond is to slowly increase the amount of responsibility they take on.
Do this over the course of time as they prove ready.
When they take ownership of their assignments, they will feel confident and capable and ready to tackle bigger tasks in the future.
Kids will be kids. Mistakes happen. Due dates get forgotten and assignments end up lost.
Our aim is to, over time, minimize these occurrences.
Keep in regular contact with your child’s teacher. Share what you are doing at home – what’s working and what isn’t.
Together, as a team, you guys can make sure your outside-the-box thinker is a success.
Part of making these good habits stick is giving your child something to look forward to.
Set up a simple sticker chart and reward your child for consistency.
When they fill up the chart for a week, reward them with a trip to the park or a family movie night.
It doesn’t need to be elaborate to be effective.
While individually, each of these things will help, it’s important to check in with your child on a regular basis.
Ask how THEY feel about their assignments.
Do they have any ideas to streamline the routine? Are they having a hard time? Or is it smooth sailing?
Your child’s voice is the key here. Are these changes truly helping?
If so, great!
If not, what can we do better?
It can be hard when you have a child who struggles with homework.
Your child is bright, but the system is set up to be “one size fits all”.
As much as we’d love to see change throughout, it starts with one. It starts with you.
Let your child be who they were meant to be. Come together with their teacher to find solutions that work. Ultimately, their success is our greatest goal.
Does your child have a hard time with homework and need more hands-on help? Do you know other parents with the same struggle? Don’t forget to share on social media so others in a similar situation can find the answers they need!
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