Homework is the most common challenge I see families struggle with. It can disrupt the entire family dynamic, while creating a state of overwhelm, constant stress and high emotions. The good news is that parents can turn around that dynamic with these 4 steps.

Structure an Evening Family Routine

Sit down with your own and your children’s calendars to schedule the best times for homework time. Stay as consistent as possible, but keep a flexibile mindset for handling lifes ups and downs. Post the schedule in the kitchen and specific work areas.

Sample Schedule for Success

Monday through Thursday

5:30 – 6:00 is dinnertime

6:00 – 7:30 is homework/study time  — one parent is managing

7:30 – 8:00 is wind-down time for the family

8:00 – 9:00 is for showers, baths, reading a story, making sure the backpack is ready for the next day, etc.

9:00 is bedtime

Teach Them a Homework Process

1. At the beginning of homework time, connect with your child and establish what needs to be accomplished.
2. Establish what “homework” looks like, i.e. study guideand pencil out on the table; no distractions.
3. Identify assignments they might need help with.
4. Ask your child to estimate how much time each assignment might take and give them a timer.
5. After their homework is done, chat with them about how it went. Youll learn what you can improve each time.

Accept Homework Resistance

If your daughter refuses to study for her upcoming science test, despite your constant prodding, let go of control and let her do it her way. Your time is better spent after the test, celebrating wins and finding effective studying techniques for the weak spots.

Also, sometimes children just want to vent about ‘how hard all this work is’ and the feeling that ‘it is too much’ (You remember how you felt at their age, right?)  Allow for some venting time (5 minutes max) — it may be the key to them working for the next 20-30 minutes.

Reward Homework Well Done

It might be helpful to offer a simple, inexpensive reward for quality work during the week. For example, you might agree to set a date for the weekend when you and your son walk to the ice cream store for a treat.

Lastly, Make It Safe to Fail

Failure is a matter of perspective. It is not a dirty word. It is a part of learning. Don’t be afraid to let your children fail, especially when you’re right there to help them rise up and try again.

Learn my simple technique to help children transition smoothly between tasks. The secret? Thinking about your thinking. 

Now that you have learned a new approach to thinking, I challenge you to try my technique with your children.

Develop a realistic sense of time by strengthening time awareness throughout the day. This is especially helpful for children with learning challenges.

Strategies to Strengthen Sense of Time

• Make a visual schedule (even adults like visual schedules, like the bullet journal). Visual schedules use a series of pictures to communicate a series of activities or the steps of a specific activity.  Post them around the house. 

• Set start and end times on activities with your child. 

• Practice estimating time with your child. Try “Beat the Timer.” Choose any task, such as getting dressed or doing a homework worksheet, and estimate how long you think it will take you to complete. Then, set the timer and try to beat it. 

• Use sand “hourglass” timers and “visual clocks” help children get a more visual and tactile sense of time. Plus, using these timers literally keeps time front and center. 

A strong sense of time, and timing, helps your child become more independent and successful. If a person can manage their time, they will have more choices, more options for activities, and more opportunities for successful social interactions. Wishing you success!