Homework has been a part of everyday life for as long as we’ve been learning. Books and schoolmates keep calling your kids to do projects, tests, and quizzes for fun. You’ve gotten used to it. It’s just the way things are. But is this the way it should be for our children? Is homework really that important?
When we give in to our stubborn kids, they will never learn. Unfortunately, many parents succumb to the pressure from their peers and give in to making excuses for why they can’t get their kids to do their homework. They say things like, “I don’t know why you have to do your homework, but it’s kind of boring.” Or, “Maybe if you ask a teacher, they will tell you it’s too hard and your kid won’t do it anyway.” Unfortunately, these excuses don’t hold water.
The truth is, your kid is going to do what is fun for them. They will do things that make them happy. Even when they aren’t getting good grades in school, they’ll still be smiling the whole time, holding their A-grade in front of them. Don’t just look at their grade, look at what it means to them. Whether you’re around or not, it’s your job as a parent to ensure that they are having fun while studying.
Even if your child complains that you’re constantly nagging at them, there is no reason to become argumentative with them. You need to remain calm and show them that you understand their frustration. Explain to them that if they work on their homework in the spare time they have, it will be better for them in the long run.
Once they understand why it is important to do homework, the real battle is in the details. Is it OK to set aside a few minutes every day to do it? Is it OK to go over the assignments as a family? What resources do they need to do it?
You can take these questions and ask your kids. The more they know, the more likely they are to feel encouraged to do their homework well. If you have a homework club for older kids, you can assign some homework quizzes or even a puzzle to see how they do. The more you encourage them, the more motivated they will become.
Homework is something that kids need every day. It keeps them alert and gives them a chance to learn and grow. Do not punish your kids for not doing it. Instead, offer options and let them decide. With the support they get from you, they may just change their mind and realize that it is worth it after all.
Many parents are asking the same question when their children stop doing their homework. Is it really worth it after all? It is definitely more than a few hours of entertainment for your kids. When they get good grades, you may even hear them boast about this to their friends!
Some schools even make homework mandatory. If you have an understanding child, he probably understands that his homework is his responsibility. There is usually some sort of reward involved, such as an extra toy or small snack, which makes it all worth it for them. They will be excited to do their homework, and they may even look forward to getting home with their rewards.
Of course, if your kids still do not understand, don’t be too harsh on them. You should make sure they understand what homework is, what it is for, and how they are expected to do it. Sometimes just giving them the facts is not enough to make them understand. You can find many online tips to help. You should also remember to take them shopping for new books and supplies, so that they are not bored, and don’t feel pressured.
There is no real homework punishment, although it is probably better if you don’t give your kid an assignment until they have done it correctly. Most kids will pick up the pace where they have trouble and that is just not how you would want to teach your child to be! Give them praise when they have successfully completed an assignment, but make sure you praise them for other things as well. Homework is a necessary evil in the lives of kids and as long as you keep it fun, it is not as bad as it may seem at first.
