If you’ve ever struggled with helping your child to get their homework done, just remember that it’s worth it. Young people who complete homework regularly and to the best of their ability do make progress at school. If they work really hard at it and keep up with the schedule, there could be real benefits. At the very least, homework reinforces what is happening in school every day. That means it can only help.

However, if your child is receiving homework that you can plainly see is just ‘busy work’ or a succession of worksheets, then it may be worthwhile having a discussion with the school and teachers. Homework is only worth doing if it is constructive, and either reinforces or enhances learning. Anything else is questionable.

The following tips should help you get the most out of homework.

Get involved

Every year, in homes across the country, parents lose touch with the school and then become frustrated with the fact their child hasn’t been completing homework. Of course, a part of the problem lies with the school. The other part is all about you.

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The more involved you are with the school and the teachers, the more likely homework will be a positive experience. You’ll find out why your child is doing a particular task, and how it fits in with the rest of their learning. You’ll also open a dialogue with the teachers that means you’ll automatically understand the progress your child is making. So talk to the school more.

Give them the time

While we all have busy lives, there’s no excuse for not giving your child the time they need with homework. It could be just that they need company, and sitting at the kitchen table with them may be enough.

It could mean that they need to talk about their work (or complain) and having you around helps.

Commit to a part of your week or day that you will spend with them as they complete homework.

Consider the surroundings

Studying is tough. Create a special area of the home that can be used by your child to complete their work. It needs to be tidy and as distraction-free as possible.It’s absolutely 100% true that a tidy desk and study area will help them stay focused.

Be the model

This has a real impact, so it’s worth thinking about. If your child sees you with your ‘homework’, such as a report you’re writing for work, or emails, and you’re modelling concentration and focus, they will benefit. You’re showing them what ‘homework’ means.

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Calm and purposeful attention to a task is what they need to get better at, in exams, school and homework. Show them how it’s done. And make it pleasant too. Believe it or not, if you’re smiling when doing your ‘homework’ it goes a long way. If homework is something you get on with and enjoy doing, this will benefit your child.

Also, don’t forget the ‘we’re all in it together’ theory. If other people in the house apart from them have homework, it just feels more bearable.

Know when to back off

If there is a battle every day to get the homework done, and strong resistance from your son or daughter, you need to back off. Some fights are better left alone. When things become negative, contact the school and understand what needs to be done and why. Then just convey the message to your child.

Whatever you do, don’t lock them away in their room and force them to complete the work. It’ll get you nowhere.

Take an interest, and make sure you’re informed by the school on the specifics. Then relax, and help your child if you need to. It’s not worth the fight.

Set the routine

If you have a set time every day in which they do their homework, this will help them develop discipline. If your life is a chaotic mess, start small with half-hour chunks of time. Stick to these though, because you can’t embed training unless something becomes a habit.

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Look at the good stuff

Your child will have done some homework in the past and been successful with it. Focus on this for your own benefit, to keep you sane when things get tough. Reminding them of what went well also boosts your child confidence. And the more of this you do, the better the quality of work.

Build in breaks

Work hard to create regular break sessions in the homework. Just a five-minute break to have a cold drink and a chat can break up an hour’s homework nicely. If your child is a teenager, they can concentrate for longer than an eight-year-old. Keep this distinction in mind, and build in breaks accordingly. Tailor the frequency to their age.

Step in and be a coach

This means motivating in a natural and positive way. You will gain absolutely nothing by being negative or angry yourself if your child isn’t working hard enough.

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Spot when they’re angry and stop the session. Take them out for a walk. If they’re feeling frustrated, making them stay at it will not help. If you can see the pressure building, help them by removing them from the situation.

Grant them ownership

If your child has chosen their space for studying (and it fits in with your expectations) then they will feel a little better about doing homework. If you have ‘helped’ them choose a time of day to do it, they will feel in control of their life.

Give them choices, and they will at least feel they’re doing things on their terms.

It just makes it a little more bearable for them, because they now know that they are organising themselves.

Keep them fed and hydrated

They will need refreshment, and there is nothing wrong with having some healthy treats around while they’re working. Some people work better and more effectively if they have reward snacks around. You know how your child’s diet looks so you can make the best choices here.

Water is also a great way to make them able to concentrate for longer. Purchase a quality bottle and make that one their ‘homework bottle’. The more they drink, the better their output. Hydration helps concentration.

To sum up, helping your child with homework is about making it ‘doable’. Systems, communication with the school and a tidy workspace are great areas to tackle first.

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