How can I support my child with homework?

5 Strategies to help make homework time run smoothly

If you would like to reduce homework hassles and help your child develop greater independence, it is time to take a look at current routines, or lack thereof. Homework completion can be a time of increased frustration, conflict, and dread for not only students, but also their caregivers. Undesired tasks like homework are easiest to accomplish when you stack them to existing routines. By establishing daily routines for homework completion, you can set yourself up to reduce the power struggle, all while providing structure, order, and predictability for your child. When established, routines help your child develop a greater sense of autonomy, which is important when homework expectations increase in high school and college.

Here are a few ways to develop homework routines that actually work.

1. Identify a homework location in your home

   • First things first, do a scan of your home to locate a space where your child can do their best work. You know your child best. It can be helpful to recruit them in aspects of the decision making process. Find a space that is away from extensive noise or activity, as well as distractions. While some children do best with homework in the quiet of their own room, items in a bedroom can also be highly distracting. If possible, try to avoid homework being completed in the bedroom, as you want to affiliate their room with rest and relaxation. If the bedroom is the best option, set up a desk so that your child is not doing homework in bed. As the caregiver, consider your child’s strengths and family culture to determine a good location.

2. Set up the homework “command” center

   • Once you and your child have identified a location, fix it up as a home office or homework “command” center. Ensure that the workspace is clear, organized, and large enough to keep all materials your child will need. Set up the homework center with any materials your child is likely to need, including pencils, erasers, computer, etc. The more you set up the space for success, the less opportunity your child will have for avoidance or distraction, such as asking for supplies, getting up to grab an item, and/or searching around the house. If your homework center is a multi-purpose space, such as a dining table, consider keeping supplies in a portable bin. If possible, add any organizational tools, such as a calendar or bulletin board. To help foster buy-in from your child, have them pick out items to make the space their own.

3. Establish a consistent homework time

   • While juggling after school schedules and activities can throw a wrench into evening routines, do your best to establish a consistent time every day when homework is completed. This helps your child develop a habit of completing homework the same time every day (e.g. before dinner, after school, etc.). Many children benefit from a break right after school to get some exercise, let out excess energy after being “on” all day, as well as to grab a snack. Other children benefit from starting homework directly after school while they are still in the zone. In general, it is best for children to complete homework as early as possible in the evening to reduce fatigue or avoidance. If you know your child’s activity schedule, use this as a starting point and fill in the blanks.

4. Create a daily or weekly homework plan

   • Depending on your child’s development and/or strengths, they will likely need support with starting or organizing homework. Consider your child’s strengths and developmental needs and clearly define what your role will be. For example, you may sit with your child directly and help them with homework completion, get them started/organized, or just be available for questions. If homework “check-ins” from caregivers get frustrating for middle or high school students, consider reducing the frequency of check-ins based on your child’s needs. Some older students benefit from 1-2 check-ins per week on homework progress and/or for planning opportunities with parents. If homework check-ins are triggering, reduce the power struggle and establish a time each week when you will check-in with your older child (e.g., on Mondays) and keep the meeting “business like.” Establish an agreed upon routine with your child, such as “Dad will check in with you on Monday for 10 minutes to review your homework portal and check in on your study plan.”

5. Individualize

   • Depending on your child’s needs, style, and family strengths, you will need to individualize homework routines. Consider using timers, building in breaks, or allowing “choices” when individualizing homework routines. For children who struggle with motivation, allow them to pick a desired activity as a reward after completion. For children who struggle with distractibility, consider keeping electronics or phones in a separate room. For children who struggle with regulating their attention, focus, or hyperactivity, schedule breaks during homework time that are regulated by a timer. If you are curious about what strategies may work for your child, talk with your child’s teachers or consult with a psychologist!

Looking for more information or wanting to schedule? Contact Dr. Bobal today!