Homework with our Very Young

​Anna Nowaczewski
 
Homework time with our children, ages 5-10 years, can be quite a frustrating experience.  Parents and children have been working all day, so everyone’s tired, with patience and endurance running thin.  Getting children to focus is even more challenging today than 30 years ago due to all the electronic distractions at our finger tips. Despite such challenges, with a regular bit of family routine over a couple of weeks (on the majority of our days at least), the tears, the yelling, and the chaos can be significantly reduced.  Here are 6 “TO DO’S” you can start today!

1. DO have a central container (in good view of a parent) where all electronics are stored on home arrival (iPads, phones, tablets, TV controllers, remotes, etc.),  and are not released until after STUDY (homework) time. 
2. DO have your children empty their backpacks in a specific place each day, which allows you to see what’s what. 
3. DO provide CHILL TIME, a small snack followed by indoor or outdoor play for 30 minutes.  
4. DO establish STUDY TIME (in a common area) that follows the CHILL. This is the time for homework, but homework or not, STUDY TIME prevails!!  There are plenty of good things to “study” and do.
5. DO release those electronic treasures ONCE a peaceful STUDY TIME has been experienced, most importantly by YOU the parent.    
6. DO stick to your plan!  Nothing happens overnight, but sensible and logical consistency of a regular schedule gives the entire family a sense of peace and well-being.  Just stick with the plan.