Re: homework
Asked by luda

Question:

I would like to know the best way to encourage homework in my children, 1 does it no questions asked, the other is a constant battle for him to do it

My Advice:

I don't have any *experienced* advice... but more of an insight and opinion...

You child has spent 8 hours at school, learning. When he gets home, that is the last thing he wants to do. Just like after 8 hours of work, you don't want to come home to do more.

As soon as he gets home, play with him, give him a snack, talk to him about his day, spend some time together as a family. Let him relax after his 8 hour day...

Then set aside a time for homework, later in the afternoon. Maybe make it part of night-time routine. After dinner you all sit around the table for 30 mins or an hour (whatever time is appropriate for his age) and do homework together. Make yourselves as parents available for help. If you have some organising for the next day take this time to do so. Make it a group activity, so your child doesn't feel isolated and feels that homework is a punishment. By the whole family sitting around the table, he can easily see that he's not missing out on anything and everybody is doing it together. He has support and encouragement. Remember to never let it go over the set time limit. You can even have a timer on for them to see. Even if the child doesn't get it all finished, still encourage and praise him for doing it. Half the homework done is better than none at all! And you'll find after a while he'll be racing to finish in time. (That comes from personal experience with house cleaning!) 

Even keep this routine on weekends! Instead of doing homework though, play a family game! There are a lot of fun board games that are quite educational for children. Play Scrabble, Game of Life, Monopoly ect. Not only are you helping your child with his education, you are bonding and growing as a family. An hour of your time is nothing when it comes to your children!

And as a reward for all sitting around and doing your homework have some desert. Not to be used as a bribe! But more a reward for you all.