My husband accuses me of being a “Ready, Fire, Aim” kind of a person. I just want to say, that is probably not the best way to start off the school year!
Three Ways to Avoid Homework Battles
If you are facing Back-to-School with some trepidation, remembering the stress and tears of last year’s homework battles, here are three things you can do:
- With your child, establish a homework space. Outfit it with needed supplies but keep it quiet and clear – not too much stimulation.
- Establish a homework time. This may have to vary some from day to day depending upon other activities and commitments but try to make it as consistent as possible and post it prominently where everyone can see it.
Establish that Homework Time is “sacred.” It is a no cell phone, no technology time other than what is specifically needed for that day’s assignment. If your child tends to rush through homework just to get it done, make sure he understands that if he finished his assignments early, the remainder of homework time will be used to study for tests, practice vocabulary, work on projects, read AR books, etc.
- Have a specific place for completed homework. This could be in a Completed Homework Folder or behind the subject tab in the student’s binder, but it needs to be followed consistently every time.
Before school starts have your child “practice” your homework routine by role playing, visualizing, and talking through the steps.
When school starts, commit to helping your child talk himself through and follow the homework routine until it becomes a habit. A well-established routine can save you and your child a lot of agitation, nagging, and negotiation!
When the Homework Routine Is Not Enough
If your child is struggling with learning and attention challenges, the homework routine solves only a small piece of the homework battle. Permanently changing or correcting a learning and attention challenge requires identifying and developing the weak underlying skills that are at the root of the struggles.
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Quick Answers
How can I avoid homework battles at the start of the school year?
Establish a homework space, a homework time, and a specific place for completed homework, and have your child practice the routine before school starts.
Why does a homework routine not solve every homework battle?
If your child is struggling with learning and attention challenges, the routine solves only a small piece. Permanently correcting them requires identifying and developing the weak underlying skills at the root.
Jill Stowell, M.S.
Founder and Executive Director of Stowell Learning Centers and bestselling author of At Wit's End and Take the Stone Out of the Shoe. For more than 40 years, Stowell Learning Centers has helped children and adults correct the root causes of dyslexia, learning, and attention challenges. More about Jill
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