Homework –Nightmare Or Blessing? Your Choice !

Everyday, you as a parent ask your children do they have any homework to complete? Do you dread doing this? Is it a time of sharing or is it a time that you would not like to talk about. Did you have to try to coerce and be the big bad parent that made the children sit down and do the work that they did not want to do. Did you enjoy the time together?

Well as you know, as a parent we have to be able to do all things smoothly and well. This is one thing that most parents abhor doing. Like most kids I found homework difficult and tedious and rather boring. So I certainly don’t blame the kids for trying to get out of doing it. Usually there is a long and drawn out argument of why and why not do it, or I can’t do it for whatever reason. I am sure you by this time would be at wits end and hoping that it all ends soon and so would your kids.

During my time as a teacher I had many parents approach me and tell me about their horrid escapades of endeavouring to do homework with their children. Most of the parents didn’t want to go through these experiences again. They wanted to know if the homework could be abolished or was there an easy way which was enjoyable. Usually I ask a few questions like do you have a routine for your child, when they wake up, do they do set chores like making their beds? Do the kids have a set time when they get up? How much time do they watch T.V. and when do they do their homework? Is it the same time everyday? Is the homework completed, do you check it and is it done in the same place?

Consistency and discipline are a core to anything in this world. You as a parent need to establish a set time for when the homework is to be done and where. Because a routine has to be set up, time and place have to be the same all the time to have this consistency. In due time the child will get used to this and everytime that the child sits in that particular place the child will know that it is time to do the study and homework. Over a period of time this will help to set a study habit for high school.

Depending on the individual child you will find that they will have different preferences. Some might like to do their work in the morning, and others in the evening after dinner, and others might like to finish it in the afternoon when they get home so that they can play with their friends.

When parents set up a routine with their children, they must do it regularly, they also establish a point of contact with their children. This after a period of time will grow and blossom into a loving relationship where the child and parent will enjoy each other’s trust and company.
All this has to be done in a loving and fair manner. The respect that you will get from your child will only be measured by the way you implement this routine. There will need to be set consequences for not applying to the set routine. This may be the kid can be grounded for not completing the set work. Alternatively the child may be rewarded for the magnificent effort that the child has put in. The choice of rewards and detractors is entirely up to you.

While you are implementing this routine you will need to be very positive and encouraging at all times. Speak calmly and caringly, use good positive words. Don’t let anything upset you, always look on the bright side and be prepared for little side issues. Is this effort of implementing a set routine worthwhile? Most certainly! I have seen great improvements of work from the children and the relationships between the family are no longer strained. The child can more easily relate to the parent and a bond of friendship had been developed beyond plain trust.

In an area like homework, consistency, routine, and stability are so crucial. You can not let it slip. If you do for some special reason, get back into it again as soon as possible and keep on keeping on with what needs to be done! You will enjoy being there for your child and not arguing or complaining about your child. Above all else I hope that you become great friends for the rest of your lives through this. Do make the homework time a pleasure to be enjoyed by all involved. The choice is yours.

P.S. Decide Today to be helpful. After you do it, that is doing something that is helpful to your parents, you’ll FEEL GOOD about yourself.
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