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Let’s set the scene: your kids come home from a long day of school and activities, drop their bags at the door, and *run* to the kitchen, couch, or computer for some downtime. You organize dinner and before you know it, it’s 8 pm and someone (let’s be honest, depending on the day, it might be you or the kids) starts freaking out about HOMEWORK. And well, I’m sure you know how the rest of the evening goes….

How can we help our kids learn to love homework? We probably can’t, but we can definitely make the experience more manageable and, dare I say it, even enjoyable for all. Here are my tried and true homework tips:

Kids, even the big ones, need a routine. Choose a routine that works for your family and lay out the expectations in the morning. My go-to routine is come home, have a snack (or dinner), and get started on homework. Homework gets finished before it’s time to wind down. If kids have activities in the early evening hours, try and finish homework before the activity starts.

In terms of space, ideally, your kids have a dedicated “homework station”. This can be a desk in a shared space in your home, the dining table, or a kitchen island. Use a drawer or small bin to keep necessary school supplies handy. Unless the computer is needed for HW, all tech should be away and the TV should be off. (Too quiet? Here’s my favorite research-based mind music on Spotify to listen to while doing homework!) Having kids in a space not their bedroom, where you can see them and limit distractions, is key to homework success.

Do you have visual learners in your house? Use checklists or timers for homework tasks. This supports executive functions and gives kids a sense of urgency and satisfaction. Consider creating a rewards system to motivate your child to do their homework. Keep it small to start – each task completed equals 5 minutes of screen time. As they get older, maybe a week of completed tasks means an extended curfew on Saturday night. These tools fit perfectly into your routine and will be an added motivator to help homework time go smoothly.

I love this little saying, especially for the reluctant homework-doer. To put it to use, have your child choose whichever assignment they might find the most challenging and do it first. This way you can manage how much time they spend on it and they don’t end their evening on a sour note.

Kids will do better and have a sustained effort in their homework if you’re interested in it. So, talk to your kids about their homework, and let them explain it to you or teach it to you. Let them ask you questions. This is a great bonding time and a way to encourage learning. But, whatever you do, don’t pick up your pen and write for them. You can answer questions, show them an example, and help them organize their work. Doing the work for them takes away their opportunity to learn and their teacher’s ability to understand exactly what they need as a learner.

If you have teenagers at home, I’m sure you’ve experienced this. Your child sits down to do homework and starts venting about how much they dislike a subject or task. To ensure that our learners will remain successful throughout their educational careers, we need to validate their feelings with empathy. Coming from a place of understanding and acknowledging that sometimes chemistry is really hard is great. The next step is to redirect and help them get back on track. Saying something like, “I am so proud of how hard you’re working, and I know you can do this task,” will help motivate them to continue and increase their resilience and perseverance.

Communication is key, right? When it comes to homework, we need to communicate with our kids about our expectations and routines. We also need to communicate with their teacher about what we’re noticing at home.

Maybe one activity took your second grader 40 minutes to complete or your sixth grader was frustrated throughout their entire writing assignment. Email your child’s teacher and let them know this happened so the teacher can follow up with and support your child. If your high schooler is doing over two hours of homework a night, it’s a good idea to help them advocate for themselves by emailing the teacher and asking for help.

And if your child communicates with you that they’re worn out, very frustrated, or stressed by the amount of work they have, it’s a clue they need your help with time management and working on coping skills.

I think my favorite (and hardest to achieve) of all the homework tips for students is to never skip a Friday. Yes it’s the start of the weekend and we’re so excited to relax, but if you can hang on to that routine for an extra hour or two, I promise your Sunday night self will thank you!

WhizKidz Tutoring offers comprehensive and effective solutions to help children manage homework and thrive in their academic pursuits. Our tried and true homework tips provide practical strategies for parents to confidently and easily support their children’s learning journey. By fostering a positive homework environment, establishing clear routines, and encouraging open communication, we empower students to develop essential skills, such as problem-solving and self-advocacy. With our dedicated team of highly qualified tutors and consultants, WhizKidz is committed to delivering top-notch tutoring services in Long Island and beyond. Let’s inspire a love for learning and ensure every child reaches their full potential.

1. Can a “homework doer” or “assignment doer” really replace my involvement in my child’s homework?

No, homework doers and assignment doers are unethical services that deprive your child of valuable learning opportunities. While they might seem tempting, they ultimately hinder your child’s development of key skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and independent learning. Instead, focus on providing helping with homework tips for parents that guide and support your child, building their confidence and skills along the way.

2. I struggle to create a consistent homework routine. Any tips?

Absolutely! Start by establishing a dedicated homework space away from distractions like TVs and computers. Set clear expectations about homework time and stick to a consistent schedule, even on Fridays. Visual aids like checklists and timers can help younger children stay on track. Remember, it’s all about building healthy habits and positive routines.

3. My child gets easily frustrated with homework. How can I help?

Acknowledge their frustration with empathy and validate their feelings. Offer support without doing the work for them. Break down challenging tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Encourage them to take breaks and use calming techniques like deep breathing. Remember, perseverance and resilience are valuable life skills learned through overcoming challenges.

4. How can I communicate effectively with my child’s teacher about homework concerns?

Open and honest communication is key. If your child struggles with specific subjects, workload, or understanding expectations, reach out to the teacher. Schedule a meeting or send an email outlining your observations and concerns. Work together to find strategies and solutions to support your child’s learning journey.

5. Are there any resources available for helping with homework tips for parents beyond your blog?

Absolutely! Many educational websites and organizations offer valuable resources. Check out reputable sources like the National Education Association, National Parent-Teacher Association, or your child’s school website. Remember, you’re not alone in this. Seek support from other parents, educators, and professionals to create a positive and productive learning environment for your child.