What are the homework basics? And how to employ them to set your child up for after school and homework success.

Here we are in October, and school has been plodding along for about two months. For many families with school-age children, after-school time can become the witching hour. As homework emerges from a backpack or populates as (evil) pixels on a laptop screen, the potential for tears, meltdowns, denials of its very existence, and outright refusals can emerge. If your child is neurodivergent – ADHD, dyslexic, or Autistic, for example – the chances for these conniving conundrums increases exponentially.

What are parents to do? Pass the stress and inevitable power struggles onto a nanny or older sibling? Tempting! But not the best solution for you, the nanny, or most importantly, your child.

Unfortunately, homework is a reality that will continue to haunt you and your child unless you address the problem. Fortunately, there are strategies and techniques that a parent can implement to help their child ease the transition home from school and into a productive, smooth, and efficient homework mode.

Get the homework basics right

First, make sure you are getting the fundamentals correct. These include:

Meet the teacher(s):  Attend Meet the Teacher events and any Open House events the school holds. Often during these meetings the teacher(s) will outline the homework expectations for the class, which may include time and frequency estimates. 

Request (demand) that your child use a homework planner. This allows them to practice those critical executive functions skills, including organization, time management, and planning.

Create a homework friendly area in your house: The location ought to be free of distractions such as a television and not be in a high traffic area like the kitchen. It should feature adequate lighting, a table or desk, and comfortable chair.

Develop a routine: A daily routine might feature getting home, enjoying a snack, then heading to the homework area to complete homework.

Establish break times: Depending on your child’s needs, they may need a break every 15 to 30  minutes, especially those kids who think and learn differently. Make sure your child knows when the breaks are by using a timer. 

Help manage time: The younger the student the more assistance they will need with this. Assist them with estimating how long assignments might take and creating those important breaks.

Build metacognitive skills: These skills are simply thinking about thinking. You could ask, “Which assignment is easy? Which is hard? What order should you do the assignments?” 

Watch your words: Be careful of what you say aloud within hearing distance of your child.  Phrases like “Homework is worthless anyways,” or “I never did a minute of homework,” are not helpful. Kids are listening!

Offer targeted praise for their effort: “You are so smart, you will figure this out,” is not helpful. Rather say, “I like how you tried two different ways to solve that math problem.”

Know the types and purposes of homework

According to Mind Research Institute  there are four types of homework a teacher may assign:

Practice, where child is literally practicing a skill learned in class. This is the most common.

Preparation, during which a child is previewing material that has not been taught yet in the classroom; more commonly used in middle or high school.

Extension where a child is asked to apply skills they have learned in a creative way such as project, often assigned and completed over time.

Integration homework is usually tasked with preparing a project such a science fair.

Encouraging your child to reflect on the type of assignment can help them understand how this homework assignment fits into the overall unit of study.

Know your child’s homework personality

Even if you get all the basics outlined above correct, your child could still struggle with homework.

Today’s Parent lists five common homework personalities. Does one of these sound like your child??

The Procrastinator – waits until the last minute and may underestimate the amount of time it would take to complete the assignment.

The Perfectionist – every last detail must be perfect and just so.

The Speed Demon – simply gets the work done as quickly as possible, typically with no care about accuracy or neatness.

The Rebel – may refuse to complete an assignment because it has no value to his life (this sounds eerily like this writer as a school age child).

The Forgetter – honestly has no idea that an assignment is due.

What to do if you child continues to struggle with homework 

Once you have defined your child’s homework personality, here are some strategies to tap into:

Encourage your child to speak with the teacher If they are having a difficult time on a homework assignment – chances are they are not alone. Build those important self-advocating skills.

Watch your anxiety  Studies have found that parents’ anxiety about school work can affect their kids’s attitude and anxiety towards the same subject. So, be mindful of your approach while trying to help. Kids will pick up on your anxiety!

Your presence can be a present Just being nearby while they complete homework can send a signal that you are available and offer good company.

Start a conversation Try to determine what the issue is. Is it not understanding the material? Is it lack of focus and or attention span? 

Share with the teacher that your child is struggling with homework Contact the teacher, especially if it takes longer than it should. Perhaps informal accommodations can be made for fewer problems, or your child may need a 504 plan.

Create an incentive plan According to Child Mind Institute there are two kinds of reward plans: a simple plan such as reminding your child they can watch a favorite show when homework is done, or an elaborate plan such as earning points through the week that add up to rewards. Could your child benefit from an incentive plan?

Conceal and conquer Parenting Chaos recommends using two pieces of paper to cover up a homework paper, revealing only the problem to be worked on. This eliminates your child from glaring at an entire page of problems and becoming overwhelmed. Once that problem is completed, move the papers to reveal only the next problem. 

Get support If your child is having trouble with a particular subject or is experiencing executive functions issues, employ a tutor or learning specialist who is trained to help. As many parents know, the older your student – hello teenagers! – the more challenging it can become to offer parental assistance.

Final thoughts

Homework battles are common and exhausting. However, by getting the homework basics right, such as establishing an after school routine, setting up a homework location, and knowing the teacher’s expectations, you are setting your child up for success. If battles continue, diagnose your child’s homework personality type and employ strategies tailored to their needs. And finally, know when to admit you need help and call a tutor or Learning Specialist, who is trained in working with students with diverse learning needs.

If your child struggles with homework and or establishing an afterschool routine, contact Jennifer Disch at Engage the Brain to discover how a Learning Specialist could help with both content needs and executive functions challenges.