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Helping Kids Tackle Homework

The first few weeks of school looms as a beacon of hope for parents eager to have their kids back on a routine. Parents also begin the battle over what homework was assigned, when it is due and how it’s going to get done. These tips can help homework time go more smoothly.

Break down big assignments into tasks

One of the homework challenges that young children face is that they don’t yet have the executive function skills to allow them to break a big assignment into small chunks. Kids often describe this as, “not knowing where to start.” If the teacher doesn’t require checkpoints on major assignments, help your child divide a project into manageable steps with short-term due dates.


Take a break before you get started

After spending all day in a chair at a desk, kids need a few minutes to unwind. Give your child 30 minutes to grab a quick snack and stretch his legs before diving back in. If you don’t have time for a break, provide an exercise ball for him to sit on while doing homework.

Get into the zone

Have a designated space to do homework. Keep supplies close at hand, like extra pencils, a sharpener, stapler, tape, and colored pencils. There won’t be any excuse for delays if she has everything she needs within reach.

Reduce distractions

Some children work better in complete silence, while others need a bit of white noise to do their best work. Turn off the TV and put cell phones on “do not disturb.” If your child likes it, put on music without lyrics or turn on a loud fan or the dishwasher to provide non-distracting noise.

Top of the hour

Consider designating the first 20 minutes of each hour as work times for a large project. The limited time commitment can be helpful because it breaks the assignment into manageable chunks. Allowing a break in between each assignment can limit frustration and overwhelm.

Utilize free resources

KhanAcademy.org offers free instructional videos and practice exercises in math, science, grammar, computer programming, and history, as well as test prep for the SAT and ACT. Create an account and the site will track his progress.

Be a homework buddy

Sit quietly next to your child while she does homework. You can read a magazine or work on other tasks. If your child has trouble with a concept, answer questions or find a video to walk her through the lesson. Don’t do her homework for her. If you find yourself taking the pencil out of her hand, you’ve overstepped your role.

Check your child’s assignments and grades

Managing the expectations of eight classes can be overwhelming. Most teachers post assignments on a website that your child can check daily after school, but you can ask him verbally to tell you what’s on his plate. Remember to log into the grading system to check that assignments were graded promptly. If you wait until the end of the semester to note that an assignment is missing, it’s probably too late.

Talk to your child’s teacher

Attend the Open House and parent-teacher conferences to understand grading policies and class expectations. Teachers are very receptive to emails and willing to provide details in most cases. If your child is struggling, follow up with the teacher and find out what is going on. Teachers are experts and can offer you valuable resources to conquer gaps. The sooner you ask for help, the better off your child will be in the long run.