Getting your kids to complete their homework isn’t easy. Isn’t that the case?
It appears that every aspect is more important to them than schoolwork.
Gaming online, social media watching videos, and engaging in sports… it’s a long list that is endless.
It doesn’t have to be a battle.
This article will go over seven effective ways to encourage your children to finish their homework without complaining to them or nagging you.
It’s their responsibility, not yours.
Many parents seem to be concerned more about their children’s schoolwork than their kids do. This means that the burden shifts away from the children to the parents.
This shouldn’t be the scenario.
In the end, it’s your kids’ homework and not yours.
Make them aware of the fact that their work will be their obligation. You are welcome to offer assistance or advice; however, you shouldn’t be able to do their work.
Please do not force them to complete their homework.
I could almost imagine your voice saying, “But Daniel if I don’t force my kids to finish their work and they don’t bother in the first place!”
I can see the situation you’re in. However, if you apply all these tips, I can almost assure you that your kids will be able to complete their assignments without any pressure.
If you threaten or intimidate the child, the parent-child relationship is at risk.
The quote says, “Rules without relationship breeds rebels.”
I’ve taught over 15,000 pupils thus far, and I believe in that statement.
If you enforce rules without maintaining the relationship sooner or later, your children will be able to sabotage them. The power struggle is unhealthy, whether it’s over food, school, or even homework.
Discuss expectations and the consequences with them.
Make this a priority at the beginning of each term or semester. Do not just dictate your standards. Instead, engage in a peaceful conversation about your child’s homework with them. This will help them develop a sense of being responsible for their homework and education.
These are the main points to discuss:
- If they’ll be doing the homework e.g., in the first two hours after they’ve returned from school and after having been able to unwind for 30 minutes
- What rights will be restricted until they complete their assignments
- The consequences for violating the agreement
- “No homework” times, e.g., Friday night, Sunday morning
During the discussion, remain attentive and calm. (Easier to say than do, I am sure!)
Inform your children that you’re part of the same team as the other children. It’s not your intention to go to fight with them.
If you follow this method, Your children will be more mature than you’d like them to be.
Once you’ve agreed, write everything in writing. The “contract” upon the refrigerator door, or any other prominent spot within your home, so everyone can refer to it.
Don’t be a micromanager.
It is tempting to think that your kids can only complete their homework while under your supervision.
They can be entirely responsible for their assignments, meaning that you do not need to supervise them.
When I was a kid, I couldn’t think of my parents ever observing my two brothers or me as we completed our schoolwork.
However, we did finish our homework and performed very well at school.
In addition to the point #3 I’ve found this to be helpful:
Ask your children’s teachers whether you could offer them a five-minute phone call every two months to assess your children’s progress. If teachers agree with this, let your children know about the deal.
Ask your child what kind of feedback received from teachers could warrant the advisability of punishments they could receive.
For instance, in this case, you may accept that when two or more teachers mention that your child hasn’t completed their homework in time, they’ll be denied certain rights. The privileges won’t be reinstated when feedback improves.
In this way, you don’t need to supervise your children. The agreed-upon consequences will help your children to become more responsible. Also, you won’t need to fight with your kids over homework no more!
Create a quiet space to do your homework or study.
Make sure this space is far from TVs and other distracting devices. Some families may even have to have a separate room that everyone can use to store their phones at night and during the time of homework. This can prevent your children from getting distracted by their mobiles.
It’s also important to set boundaries to ensure that your children don’t disrupt each other when they are working.
Make sure your kids have the tools and equipment you need, e.g., table lamp, stationery, desk, and chairs of the right dimension. These will allow your children to focus better.
Recognize their behavior as good.
Here’s a general rule that applies to all children:
As an adult, the behaviors that you (as an adult) pay attention to will increase in frequency.
If you applaud your kids’ positive behavior, they’ll exhibit this behavior more frequently. If you make them feel nagged over their behavior, they’ll show more negative behavior in the future.
Have you ever succeeded in bribing your kids to change their habits?
It’s probably but not.
Be attentive and look for opportunities to acknowledge your children’s good behavior. For instance, if you find that your children completed the homework they were assigned for thirty minutes in a row, you could comment, “That’s good that you concentrated on your work for 30 minutes.”
I’m not soliciting you to give your kids a flurry of praise. Acknowledge their good behavior whenever you notice it.
This may appear to be a small act to some. However, it’s not for them.
Complete the “homework” while you work with them.
Let your kids know how you’re dedicated to your “homework,” too.
If they’re at work, it’s possible to make the household finances more manageable or pay your bills. You could also go through a book, enroll in an online program, or master an entirely new skill.
Using this method, you can teach your kids how homework can be essential, even as adults. You’ll enjoy it more when your entire family completes the assignment together!
The most important thing is the bottom line.
The importance of homework is essential.
Other elements are just as essential in the workplace: persistence, responsibility, dedication, passion, and a desire to learn.
Homework is a tool to achieve these more significant objectives. Remember this the next time you’re on the edge of losing your temper about homework.
If you put the seven strategies into practice, your homework time will be more enjoyable for you and your children. Your relationship with your children’s parents will also improve.
It would be best if you tried these suggestions today. What’s to lose?
