Influencing our kids to do their homework can feel like an uphill battle at best. After a long day at school, kids are far more interested in relaxing and eating after-school snacks than diving into their homework. But we know how important homework can be for developing children’s self-discipline, ability to work independently, diligence, responsibility, and time management skills.
If getting your kids to do their homework has become a nightly nagging ritual, then you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled a helpful list of our top tips for encouraging kids to do their homework!
1. Create a designated homework space
Creating a space in your home specifically for your children to study and complete their homework can be a great way to encourage concentration. Whether it’s a study room in your home or a desk in the corner of the living room - creating a special space for study is essential.
2. Keep the homework space distraction-free
It’s much harder to concentrate when a TV show is on in the background, someone chatting on the phone and another child is screaming! By keeping distractions to a minimum, you can increase the odds that your child will finish their homework.
3. Schedule regular study time
If you introduce homework time as a scheduled daily activity, it can make it easier for kids to get into the swing of things. For example, if you create a daily routine for your children to complete their homework between 3pm and 5pm, then they have the flexibility to choose when they do it, while also having the structure as a reminder to actually get it done. Often getting homework done early in the afternoon works best, as kids still have some energy and momentum to continue learning.
4. Hire a homework helper
It’s okay to need an extra set of hands to get the job done! It can be difficult to find the time to balance all that life demands, especially for parents who work full-time. A homework helper can double as a babysitter as well, which is fantastic if you need someone to watch the kids after school. Babysits offers online and in-person homework help as a babysitting option on their platform. You can search for local babysitters in your area and refine your search using the homework help feature to find the perfect babysitter for your family. Having a helpful babysitter can motivate your child to not only to study, but also look forward to it!
5. Teach, don’t tell
When helping with homework, it can be tempting to give our kids a little too much help, especially if we’re short on time and need to get dinner started. While this is well-intentioned, it could mean that your child does not actually understand the concept and might struggle with it in the classroom.
6. Lead by example
The best way to influence our children that learning is fun, is to learn with them! If their homework is to read a book, then why not read alongside them? If they see that you’re enjoying the experience, they might be more inclined to follow your lead.
7. Have their school supplies ready
Having everything ready to go is a great way to minimise distractions while your child studies. So, be sure to have the pencils, erasers, coloured pencils, and paper on hand. Not sure what your child might need? Kookaburra Educational Resources Home Learning Packs are fantastic. They have everything you child needs and cover all areas of the Australian Curriculum Mathematics and English strands.
8. Praise them
Let them know that they’re doing a great job and trying their best! By building their confidence, they’ll know that they’re capable of doing the work and won’t feel so beat up if they’re stuck on an equation or question.
9. Communicate with their teacher
You’ll be much better equipped to know what areas your child is struggling with if you communicate with their teachers. Fostering a positive relationship with your child’s teacher can be a great way to be an engaged and active parent at the same time gaining an insight into your child’s performance at school and the ways in which you can help.
10. Breaks and rewards are ok!
Having breaks throughout the study session can be a great way to maintain your child’s attention and keep them motivated. And although it might sound counterintuitive, promising a reward for completing homework can work wonders. But the reward doesn’t need to be something unhealthy! Children will often be just as excited if you promise to read their favourite book before bed.
This article was written in collaboration with Babysits - Australia’s babysitting community. Visit Babysits for more great tips for parents and to find the perfect babysitter for your family.