A parents guide to homework
Every parent knows that children growing up today need all the help they can get. So much is expected of them, particularly at school. Their school years play an important role in laying down the foundations for the future. At Haliborange, we recognise the important role parents’ play in guiding their children through these key years. Homework can often be an area of conflict in many homes, which is why we have developed this Parent’s Guide to Homework.
As parents, we often want to do as much as we can to ensure our children succeed by sending them to the best school that we can and making sure that they have all the books and equipment they need to make the most of their school days. With today’s hectic lifestyles, an area that can sometimes be overlooked is homework. We can’t do it for them but we can ensure that all the elements are in place to ensure that they can tackle their homework in an environment that is conducive to concentration. As a parent you play an important role in creating this environment for your child. We’ve compiled some areas that you can check to make sure your child is making the most of their homework time.
Having a routine is a good way to train your child to see homework as part of their daily life. A short break after school followed by homework at the same time each day is a great routine to get them into. They will resent the time spent on homework less as the days go by because eventually it will become second nature to them. Some children will have a natural desire to get their homework out of the way as early as possible in the day so that they can spend their free time playing, but other children will want to put it off as long as possible. Unfortunately, by the time they get around to it they can be tired and irritable, which makes it a lot more difficult for the child to concentrate and complete their tasks to the best of their ability.
Creating the right atmosphere
Distractions:
- Your child needs a place to do their homework with no distractions such as the radio, television or phone - create a special area that is for homework only.
- You can help your child by ensuring that when they are doing their homework others in the house are respectful of this and refrain from causing unnecessary distractions such as loud music in the next room, interrupting the child or taking phone calls next to the homework area.
Space and Light:
- A desk is ideal, but any table will do so long as it is free of clutter.
- A small desk lamp is an ideal way to ensure the homework is well lit which is very important to avoid sore eyes.
Comfort:
- Make sure the chair that is being used is comfortable but supportive so that back strain is minimised.
Top Tips:
The challenge of homework – for children of all ages - can undermine confidence. But by supporting your child in a positive way, you can play a vital role in boosting their self-belief. You’ll be equipping them, not only for the challenges that Maths, Art and English bring - you’ll be giving them a precious gift for life.
- Be a positive parent and nurture a positive child. Get into the habit of talking to them regularly about their personal skills and qualities - not just at school but in every area of life.
- Commit to keep calm at homework time, regardless of how challenging you find it. If you’re tense, they will be. If you’re calm they’re likely to feel more in control as well.
- Help your child set realistic targets. Encourage them to think in terms of what they want to achieve and the best way to achieve it. Help them to prioritise their tasks and set deadlines for each one.
- Talk to your child about the subjects they’re confident in first and the subjects they struggle with second. We often focus too much on the subjects our children find hard. By talking about what your child does well and enjoys, you’ll boost their self-belief in all subject areas.
- Most parents do 90% talking and 10% of listening at homework time. If you want to find out what’s going through your child’s mind, do 10% of the talking and 90% of the listening.
- If your child’s struggling or stressed, ask them how they would like you to support them rather than tell them what you can do to help. Let them know you’re human and struggle with lots of things too.
- Look at their homework and tell them what’s right with it before you move on to what might need more work. Be specific about what they’ve done well.
- Don’t make personal remarks about them. They’ll get defensive – just remember how you feel when people criticise you. Stay objective and talk about the homework tasks.
- Develop creative ways to motivate them. A positive incentive is much more effective
than a threat to stop letting them play computer games or see their friends. - Remember you’re a team. Bring their homework alive and create time to have fun and share joint activities together. Take them to the theatre or to a live football match to support Physical Education. Be a fun – not frantic parent.
