How Can I Get My Kids To Do Their Homework?

Every afternoon after school there is the same “tragedy”: homework time. It’s not at all like the image they project in commercials. No, it’s usually full of conflicts. Most of the time the kids will not do their homework, and you have to use all your patience to just get them to sit down, concentrate and do it.

They trample with their feet and they say no. They have tantrums, all to try to escape from something they do not really like. Then the mothers and fathers lose their patience and get angry.

So we have a question: Is there anything you can do to make this situation easier? There is no magic spell, but there are some tricks you can use to make it much more affordable… Keep reading!

Where are they going to do their homework?

The first step you can take to get your kids into the routine of doing their homework is to choose a place in the house where they will do it. It may not seem that important, but the truth is that children will get into the habit more easily if they always do it in the same place.

So what is the best room in the house for them to get started? It depends on the child. But we can still say that it is generally best in a quiet room. It can be their room or living room. The choice will basically only depend on one thing: what can distract your child in these places?

Another thing to keep in mind is that some children like to work alone, while others like their parents to be there and need them nearby in case they have questions. Therefore, it is important for parents and children to agree on this. Keep this in mind when choosing a room or living room as a homework space.

What should the place of homework be like?

However, you do not just have to think about where your children do their homework. You also have to think about what this place is like. To help them get into the homework routine, they need a table they can sit comfortably at while studying.

You will also have all the materials they need to do their homework. If it is a common room, it is a useful idea to have a portable box where they can put all the pencils, pens, rulers and papers they need to use for homework every day.

If they have a desk in the room and they work well there, they can put all these things in the drawers. And one thing that can help motivate them is to give them some freedom when it comes to decorating their study space.

But we have mentioned distractions, and it is important to make sure that these places do not have too many stimuli that will draw attention away from homework.

When do they do their homework?

Today it is normal for children to have leisure activities several days a week. Therefore, they can sit down for a few days to do their homework later. So remember that the later they start, the more tired they will be, and the harder it will be for them to start.

So get started as soon as possible. That does not mean they have to do it right away when they get home from school. There are some children who like it better, but of course there are other children who need to rest and have a bite to eat before they start. What really matters is that they try to keep a consistent schedule.

When they sit down, thinking about what they need to do and how long it will take them is a good way to start. That way, you can see if your child knows what they need to do and if they have everything they need to do it. It is also helpful to plan any breaks before they start as well.

Finally, do not forget a technique that will help you get your kids into the habit faster: support. This can mean setting aside time to play together after they are done. Or it may even mean creating a reward system where the rewards are greater, but given later. The bottom line is that hard work has its benefits, and that is the message you want to give to your children.

Photos courtesy of Aaron Burden, Andrew Neel and Angelina Litvin.