Helping your kids with their homework can be frustrating, and many parents will find themselves losing their patience. Not staying calm creates stress for the child, who can have a harder time learning and processing the information because of the added tension. Also, children are likely to get frustrated when dealing with difficult tasks, so it's important that you remain calm and collected to ensure the experience goes as smoothly as possible.
Step 1
Make a list of what you envision the ideal homework time to be. This perfect scenario can be as simple as knowing in advance how much homework has to be done, having all materials arranged and on hand, or not waiting until the last minute to get started. Then ask your child to come up with a similar list and compare notes. You might find ways to deal with the stress of homework if you work together to meet shared goals.
Step 2
Be realistic in your expectations. You might want your child to be completely organized, do his homework faster or learn how to take better notes, but he may not be in the right place to do that just yet. Instead of making demands, find ways that you can help him achieve those goals. For example, if organization is a problem, provide a work area with drawers or shelves nearby so everything can be put away after homework is finished.
Step 3
Remove distractions from the surroundings. This step is especially important if your child's mind is prone to wandering. Turn off the TV, and move away from high-traffic areas in the home. If you have an active pet, move to a different room and close the door, or take him for a walk right before homework time so he'll be tired and less likely to be hyperactive. The more your child can concentrate on the task at hand, the less frustrating the experience will be for you.
Step 4
Schedule breaks. Breaks not only improve your child's concentration levels but also give you a chance to breathe and collect yourself. During breaks, move away from the area in which you are working. Have a cup of tea or hot chocolate, play with the dog or simply step into a different room to change your surroundings.
Step 5
Walk away for a few minutes if you find yourself losing your cool. Tell your child you need a bathroom or water break, and then use the time to take a deep breath and refocus. Don't let your child see you getting upset, as this will likely result in her associating homework with stress.
Tips and Warnings
- Whatever you do, resist the temptation to finish the homework for your child to speed things up.
