Homework Habits

We can feel the chill in the air but nothing says it’s the end of summer and beginning of fall more than the start of a new school year. With curriculums on a tight schedule, many children have already had their first assignments of homework, even on the first day back to the classroom. The habits they create around homework start early and the role we play in that scenario can make a huge difference!

We all know what it’s like to have things that we know we have to do but sometimes we aren’t in the right mood to do them. There are times when we have to clean the house, do laundry grade papers at night or finish preparing for a presentation we have to make the next day.

Of course these tasks must be completed but the ease with which we do them depends a lot on whether or not we’re in the right frame of mind.

The same analogy applies to our kids and their homework. Children are like sponges and they love to learn, it’s in their nature. But sometimes that enthusiasm to learn can wane and the rules that we impose can have something to do with it!

Many of us experience those power struggles when it comes to homework completion and no matter what grade they are in, there are a few things that we can do to help start them off on the right foot this year to establish, redefine and sustain good homework habits for their future academic years.

It’s a great idea (and a lot less stressful) to have them on board with whatever we would like our kids to do, so why not ask them when they would like to do their homework? After all it is their homework!

Of course there are other things to consider, for example extracurricular activities, family time, piano practicing or play time, but to have their involvement in creating their own homework schedule not only teaches them how to take responsibility but it decreases the struggles that can arise when they are forced to do it at a time that is chosen and may be more convenient for us! (Remember the mood thing?)

Another benefit of allowing them to design their schedule is that it takes away any negative energy that can sometimes surround homework; even the word itself, home ‘work’ implies that it shouldn’t be enjoyed.

It becomes very monotonous (for us as well as our kids) to be on their case all the time when it comes to homework, so by letting them set their own time frame, it can help us to let go of the incessant asking of if they have homework and/or have they done it!

Some parents with teenagers may think it’s too late for their kids to develop new habits… never say never!

It can start with a conversation and taking responsibility ourselves for how we may have contributed to the current situation and then make a new pact.

We can begin empowering them with the autonomy to create the space in their day to get to their assignments, re-enforce our belief in them that they can do it and try not to be disappointed while allowing the natural consequences to ensue should they choose not to do their work.

We can’t get mad or stressed out enough to stop them from failing or punish them into a passing grade…the spark to do well comes from inside of them. Although it may not be an ideal situation for us, sometimes having a failing grade can be just the thing that helps our kids take responsibility!

We all make mistakes and sometimes we make the same mistakes over and over again until we get it…the same holds true for our kids.

So as we head into a brand new school year it’s a great time to look at ways to create new homework habits that can lessen the drama and inspire an all-round lighter and more fun atmosphere for everyone at home!

As an author, speaker and family communication specialist, Jo-Anne Cutler has become a passionate voice for children by building the awareness of what we are teaching them by our example and following her vision to inspire and empower others to be the consciously connected parents, teachers and role models our children need them to be. She has created an audio program called Breaking the Cycle, is in the process of writing her own book and a certified coach using The Inner Workout™ program. Jo-Anne is also the author of several published articles, co-author of 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Vol. 2. and 101 Top Child Development and Parenting Articles. She offers private/virtual/phone coaching and consultations as well as a free monthly e-newsletter and blog. For more information please visit www.jcconnections.ca www.betherole-model.blogspot.com www.twitter.com/awarenconnected/