5 Easy Tips for Homework Time

Tired of the never ending battles during homework? Do you feel like ripping out your hair in pure frustration over your child's lack of motivation? I have had my share of challenges with my children having a desire to learn and I have found a few suggestions that will help you getting your child back on track so that they can be successful in their school work.

1.) Designate a place for homework

Designate a place for the child to have of their own. Clear anything distracting so that the child can keep their focus and concentrate. Make it a quiet place where there are no interruptions. Make sure the televisions and radios are off. A child's imagination doesn't shut off when it is time for homework and studying. It is our job to make sure that they keep their minds focus and not want to see what Spongebob and Patrick are up to.

2.) Make it a fun and colorful place to work.

Create your child's work environment a colorful one. Themed and colorful pencils are easy and inexpensive ways to motivate your child to work. Decorate a pencil box with your child's favorite stickers. Have paper, scissors, and glue near by so that it can be easily accessible. Have your child think of a silly name for their special learning area. Go with what ever they decide even if it seems ridiculous and extreme. This will help them feel that they have ownership over their special place.

3.) Keep it a positive.

If you are carrying a negative attitude towards homework time, they will respond in return with negativity. Such feelings can lead to frustration and a never ending cycle of being non-productive. Be enthusiastic about this new work area. Enthusiasm and positivity are contagious. It is important to keep on a smile even when you don't feel like smiling. Children are incredibly intelligent and will pick up on any negative emotion.

4.) Reward their good works.

Find what motivates them and incorporate it with your homework time. If it is bike riding, outside time, or even video games, then have your child earn a segment of time to do these activities. Keep a chart or give them tokens of time to spend after they earn it from their hard work. Don't use food as a reward. Studies has shown that this is ineffective as it can lead to poor eating habits and can create an unhealthy relationship with food.

5.) Be consistent.

It is easy to give in and not be disciplined to motivate your child when you don't feel inspiring yourself. Be consistent in being positive and encouraging. You may not see the results of your hard labor at first, but in due time, you will eventually see it. There are countless resources available to help assist you. Your local library and schools are full of great ideas. There are thousands of websites and forums at your fingertips that are readily available. It just takes a few minutes of our time and effort to find them.

Following these 5 simple ideas can help your child turn it around in school! They are easy to do and the rewards are worth it for not only your child, but for you as well. Spending homework time doesn't have to be frustrating anymore. They grow up so fast and are in our care of such a short period of time. Cherish these times that you have with your children and make the best memories for both of you.