Helping Your Child Get into the Habit of Homework

When seasoned with the finest ingredients; however, even the most mundane of vegetables can become a delicacy to delight the palette. Mothers all over the world have become adept a creating fun and exciting meals for their children that entices them to eat their veggies. Who has not offered their little one ants on a log (celery filled with peanut butter with some raisin "ants" perched on top.), provided a tasty dip for fresh cut veggies, or made cute little veggie face?

By devoting a little time and energy into preparing your child's homework time, you just may be able to entice him to enjoy that too. Just as you learned to make veggies available and attractive, you must learn the same for homework. Make sure your child has an space that is comfortable and appealing to him that is ready for him when he sits down to do his homework. If he has to move things or clean up the area before he can begin, you have already created a stumbling block to his success. He will learn to associate the unpleasant task of cleaning away the clutter with homework.

Do not insist that your child studies in the area you would find most comfortable. For some children the kitchen table is the most enjoyable place and they can still feel like part of the family instead of being whisked away to their room to work in isolation. While others prefer to study in a quiet place away from the distractions of the family. If your child prefers to work in a particular place, and he is actually doing his work, by all means let her work there.

When setting up a study area, be sure to have necessary resources and supplies near by. If your child needs to use the computer or the internet for homework help, be sure to set clear limits. There are many wonderful resources available for homework help, but your child may need your assistance in deciding when and where he will find resources on the internet. Set your limits and stick to them. Turn any instant messaging program off. A few minutes of chatting has a way of turning into much more time than either you or your child realizes.

Setting a specific time for home work can be very effective. If your schedule is such that you can have a certain homework time, go ahead and set a time. It will work wonders to get your child into a routine that includes homework. Far too often, homework is relegated to the very last thing to be done before bed. Not only does this send the message that it is not important, it is the time when your child is least likely to be alert and ready to any academic challenges.

Some children will rush through their work just to get it done or consistently "forget" to bring home their homework. Chances are this will be reflected in their grades. If you suspect your child is doing his homework in much less time that in would take to do a thorough job, or is forgetting it to avoid having to do it, you might want to consider setting a specific amount of time for homework each day. Depending on the grade level and the amount of homework assigned from your school, a middle school student might need anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. Younger children may only need 1/2 hour. If your child finishes before the time is up, she is required to read for the remainder of the time and can not participate in any other activities until homework time is finished. If she knows that she has to do something academic for the entire time, she may just decide to do a more thorough job or even begin to bring all her work home so she will have something to do.

If your child has a lot of work to do, help him set small goals and reward him when he completes them. Offer a healthy snack or a fruit drink for a short break, but be sure to set a certain amount of time for the break. Five or tens minutes should be fine.

If your child struggles with his homework, set aside a few moments to help her organize what she has to do. Ask your child to read the directions aloud to you, and check that she understands what it is she needs to accomplish. If she claims not to understand, ask her to find similar problems in the text book and read through that. Work that is assigned as homework is almost always practice of a skill that has been taught in school and should not be new to her. If your child continues to struggle, make it a point to call her teacher and and discuss it with him/her.

Just as you showed your pleasure when your child ate all his vegetables, get into the habit of letting your child know you are proud of him for finishing his work even when some tasks may have been challenging. Make it a point to let him know that you know school work can be difficult, but that you have confidence in him to complete it to the best of his ability. Be careful not to over emphasize grades. They can be deceiving. Earning a B by working hard and completing assignments to the best of his ability is something to be proud of. Earning a B because he is not motivated to produce quality work is not.

Homework is a lot like vegetables. It is good for you. It makes your brain grow strong and healthy. It teaches children that hard work is something to be proud of, not something to avoid. By enticing your children to eat their veggies you have provided them with strong healthy bodies. By enticing them to do their homework you have provided them with strong healthy minds. With healthy bodies and healthy minds, you have given them the wings to soar. That is; after all, your wish for them, isn't it?