Homework. The word that every child dreads hearing as the bell is about to go off signal the end of the lesson.
You’ve probably found yourself wondering: how do you change that intrinsic dislike towards homework to a positive attitude?
Well, wonder no more as we share some tips on how to get your child to do their homework without all the whining and drama.
Set clear expectations
Most kids do not understand the importance of homework as well as what is expected of them. Thus, it is important that you set out clear guidelines and expectations at the start of every school year.
One way to get your child to do their homework and meet the expectations that have been set is to involve them in the process. Parents can set these expectations together with their kids’ input.
Set clear expectations of what your child should do in terms of her schoolwork, including her homework.
A concrete example of such expectations could be this: 85% of all homework assignments must be completed on time with a C or better grade.
This goal or expectation should then be written, preferably in your child’s own handwriting, and then signed by both parents and child.
This agreement should then be placed in your child’s room or over the study room where both you and your child are constantly reminded of the homework expectations.
Make them feel good
Whenever your child completes their homework on time or you see them working on their homework during the stipulated ‘study hour’, praise them for their good work and immediately reward them.
This will physically show them what good behaviour begets and will get your child to do their homework without any complaints.
Find out how to get your child to do their homework by going through the process of it with them… by ‘suffering’ with them!
‘Suffer’ with them
One of the reasons children are resistant to homework is that they feel that they will be missing out on something more ‘fun’ while they are stuck inside doing homework. You can help put their minds at ease by getting the whole house involved in homework time.
For example, from 7.30pm to 8.15pm every weeknight, my family has a quiet hour where everyone at home has to do some quiet work – be it reading, home accounts or homework.
What this does is that it demonstrates to the child how everyone in their family is ‘suffering’ just as they are suffering from their homework. This will get your child to do their homework with less whining, and lessen their feelings of ‘missing out.’
Whatever you do to get your child to do their homework, always aim to motivate long-term positive behaviour. Also, encourage them to do the work not because there are negative repercussions if they don’t do it, but because it is for their benefit.
Share with us your tips on how you get your child to do their homework by leaving a comment!
Also, do check out the video below for more information on how to get your child to do their homework.
