The Homework Hassle – How To Get It Done Without The Drama

Now that school is back in session and the kids are settling into a new routine, part of the package is homework. While they’d rather play or relax than do more schoolwork, homework is an important way to reinforce the lessons learned during the day.

Getting kids to sit down and concentrate can be a battle. After a long day at school, the last thing they want to do is open another book. Without some motivation, kids will complain, procrastinate, and argue until parents are at their wit’s end. Of course, there are those children who actually enjoy the challenge of getting their homework done, but for the most part, the struggle is an everyday after-school headache.

Here are some ways to get your kids to do their homework without all the fuss and fighting. The sooner you get them excited about it, the easier it will be to form a long-lasting healthy homework habit.

Study Snacks

Food is a great motivator, so bring out the munchies while the kids open their books. Put out some healthy and tasty treats so the kids can nibble while they work. It’ll make the time go by faster and the stress will seem less obvious. Plus, you’ll fit snack time and homework time into one slot, leaving more free time before dinner.

“Extended” School Day

If your kids come home straight after school, this technique is one to try. Don’t let the kids get out of “school mode” the moment they walk in the door. Instead, treat this time as part of the school day, so they’ll get to their homework right away without being distracted by a break. Once they’re done, they will have tons of time to do other things without their homework “haunting” them.

Rewards Program

Offer incentives for your kids to get their homework done without the daily dreaded battles. Every time your kids do their homework without any back and forth convincing or nagging, they get a “point.” When they reach the pre-determined goal, they get a small prize – perhaps one day off from chores or a special dessert on Sunday night.

How do you get your kids to do their homework? We’d love to share your tips with the AMC community.

For more information like this, please visit All My Children’s blogs.

By: Melissa A. Kay