Education
In today's educational system, homework is becoming more abundant and definitely more important in meeting the curriculum needs. As a parent, it can be frustrating to see your child come home from a full school day, only to have another few hours of work left to do at home. Many of the projects and book reports of today also require even young students to do things like power points. And as their workload becomes increasingly difficult and time consuming, many parents find that they are unable to help their children with homework. Not to mention, that quite often children and parents don't work very well together when it comes to homework. You will typically hear things such as, 'My teacher doesn't do it that way,' and 'That's not the right way to do it,' which makes you feel incompetent and irritated all at the same time.
The truth is though that children still need help with their homework in many instances. Not only should parents make sure that it gets done, but they also need to make sure they sit down and check it. As your children make their way towards middle school, you will find that staying in touch with their homework is a sure fire way to be clear on what is expected of them in class and what they are learning. The question is how do you avoid the arguments and drama that parents often face when they try to 'help' their kids with their homework? Here are a few tips to make this a tad easier!
When your kids get home from school, allow them to have some down time. Let them have a snack, unwind in the yard, play a video game, or do something un-academic. While you might think its best to get it down straight away ' your kids likely need a break.
Plan a space for homework. Rather than let them sit on the couch in front of the television ' set them up at the kitchen table or a desk where they have everything they need and YOU can have their direct attention.
Don't hover! If they need help, offer it to the best of your ability, but don't lean over their shoulder constantly and be over critical. If they are making a mistake such as rushing through their work or being messy; warn them but allow their grade to reflect their lack. Then make sure there is a consequence for poor grades.
If you don't understand something your children are doing ' research it together on the internet. Often, especially in math teachers instruct children to do problems in a progressive manner that ties in to the next lesson. Just because you can get the correct answer in a different way, doesn't mean you should force your child to work the problem that way.
If your child is struggling in one class and seems to have an immense amount of homework that causes stress, see if they can stay after school to complete it with the teacher instead of you. Also, don't be afraid to contact a teacher if you feel the homework is too much. It may be that your child is not performing their class work as expected.
Extra curricular activities are important. However as your child gets older, learning to prioritize is a life skill that they need to learn for themselves. Teach them how to be organized and make sure they are aware of their schedules so that they put homework first.
If you and your child seem to argue, fuss and fight every time you sit down to do homework (you are not alone) then see if someone else can over see homework. Often they work better with one parent or even a grandparent than they do with you. Remember it is more important that the work gets done than it is that they do it YOUR way.
Be clear on your expectations when it comes to schoolwork and homework and stick to your guns. You know better how to get your child to succeed and although it is their responsibility to do so academically ' they need your guidance whether they act like it or not.
Be compassionate. School is hard on children and today's kid has more responsibilities and pressure put on them than ever before. Rather than be hard nosed and demanding, reward them for good work and show them that you understand how they feel.
Homework is vital to school success. Often, teachers only assign it to round out lesson plans and make up for time shortages in class. If you and your child work together and you start implementing a schedule early in their academic career, things will be much easier in the long run.
The truth is though that children still need help with their homework in many instances. Not only should parents make sure that it gets done, but they also need to make sure they sit down and check it. As your children make their way towards middle school, you will find that staying in touch with their homework is a sure fire way to be clear on what is expected of them in class and what they are learning. The question is how do you avoid the arguments and drama that parents often face when they try to 'help' their kids with their homework? Here are a few tips to make this a tad easier!
Homework is vital to school success. Often, teachers only assign it to round out lesson plans and make up for time shortages in class. If you and your child work together and you start implementing a schedule early in their academic career, things will be much easier in the long run.
David Beart runs the Professors House.Our family based site covers everything from marriage advice and dating to sending children to school.
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