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Although homework is intended to help children
enhance a sense of preparation and organization, it can trigger a
power struggle between parent and child.
Because the power struggle between parent and
child can cause damaging attitudes toward school work, the following
are tips on helping parents and children approach this task more
encouragingly |
Helpful Home Tips
- Support the teacher. Work together to keep your child on
task. Keep in touch with the teacher. If you feel their are problems
with the amount or type of homework assigned, make an appointment to
discuss the issue with the teacher. Complaining in front of the
child can make the child to question the teacher's competence and
authority.
Set times for homework. Parents and children could decide
together on a particular time. By setting blocks of time for each
assignment. The length of this time will vary with children's ages
and amount of homework. Make sure you know which assignments
have to be handed in the soonest though and ensure they concentrate
on them first. If a child finishes homework before the
allotted time is over, pleasure reading may be done. Parents
can model appropriate behavior for children by reading during this
quiet time instead of watching television.
- Help children organize a time for large homework assignments.
Science projects and term papers need lots of time to
complete. Help children set up goals for such long-term assignments.
Teach your children how to break larger projects into small steps so
they don't seem so overwhelming
- Use Wall planners Give gentle reminders to your child to
enter things on his or her calendar (i.e. Homework assignments,
chores ect.)
- Teach them to make lists. For homework, chores or reminders of things to do.
Buy them a notebook which will
fit easily into the pocket and can be carried around at all times.
- Teach them to plan the next day. Before
they go to bed, help your child to lay out their school cloths to
ensure they have their backpack ready for school. This eliminates
those mornings when you end up running round looking for matching pairs of socks,
homework
etc.
- Recognize the limits of your patience. Neither the parent
nor the child benefits from tense and negative feelings. If
you are regularly irritated with your child while trying to help
with homework, consider providing a tutor. This could take the
pressure off both you and your child.
- Provide chores by giving your children chores and always reward for a jobs well done,
you teach your children responsibilities and the rewards that come
along with them.
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Constructing
Positive Behaviors 