Whose Homework Is It Anyway?
We’ve all seen the Staples commercial; Dad dancing down the aisle, getting school supplies, relishing the approaching day when his kids will be sent back to their schools. No longer his responsibility, no more refereeing, no more attitudes. Peace at last.
Now, back to the cold reality. Yes, your children are begrudgingly pushed onto buses and out of carpool doors, but, in the blink of an eye, they’re back, and they have homework. It seems like homework is becoming a larger and larger portion of children’s education, and completing it has brought many families whole new challenges, frustrations, battles, and questions of self-worth, for student and parent alike.
At the bottom of this blog there is a link to a comprehensive article published by the National Association of School Psychologists. But just in case you’ve only got a few minutes before it’s time for you to decipher the new method of division (“MOM, YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG!!!”), here are the bullet points.
- Important Points to set as law starting the year:
- Homework is considered important in your home – getting it completed and handed in on time is his/her responsibility, and he/she will be held accountable.
- You will be there for support, within reason. Your presence during homework can be comforting for a child feeling overwhelmed. Be there to answer questions, and aid with refocusing and self-confidence.
- You will not be there to do the homework. This interferes with your child’s education, and promotes the feeling that he/she can not succeed on their own.
- Ways you can support your child with homework:
- Establish clear homework routines: timing, a place in the house,
- Check in daily. Not to micromanage, but to find out what things are due and when. This can help your child organize things, and even remind them of things they’ve forgotten.
- It takes a village! Split the support with your spouse (pick your best subjects), or utilize other family members, local high school students, etc.
- Incentives help. Giving your child something to look forward to at the end of a homework session or project could be the stimulus they need.
- Keep communications lines open with teachers. Find out if homework is being handed it, if assignments are coming home correctly, or if there are things you or the teacher can be doing to make your children more successful.
It is important to instill as many of these tips as possible early in the year. When kids fall behind with school, a level of pressure can get added that makes even simple challenges seem insurmountable. Make sure your family is getting the support it needs, both children and parents!
Again, you can click for the full article from the NASP entitled Homework: A Guide for Parents
You’ve got this!!
But if you need some support, you know where to find us!
