Start of the School Year With A+ Homework Habits

Ideally, your child would start their homework at the same time every day. After-school schedules might vary day to day, but think about if your kid does best getting to homework right after school, before dinner, or before bed. Do they need a snack and unwind a bit when they get home or maybe they do best when they hit the books fresh off the bus. Do what works for them, but try to be consistent with timing so it just becomes automatic. You might find after a few weeks that you don’t even need to remind them to start working if becomes a regular part of the afternoon.

The best homework location is a quiet spot with comfortable but structured seating and a stash of basic school supplies (paper, pens, pencils, etc.). Keep non-school screens out of the area. If a little noise is motivating, soft, classical music is the best bet. We all know sometimes math happens in the car on the way to sports practice or reading gets done while waiting in the dentist’s office, but encourage your kids to retreat to their homework spot when they can for optimal focusing and consistency.

Homework spots should be free of phones, video games, toys, barking dogs, crying siblings and anything else that might get homework off track. Screen time can be a reward for after homework is done, but not during. If your kid needs to fidget, a few small devices they use in school is a great idea, but not things that become a secondary distraction.

It might go without saying, but don’t do your child’s homework for them. It's tempting, but it does not help them in the end. Sit beside younger kids and ask them questions that might help them get to the next step, but don’t tell them the answers. You can also be a silent partner, waiting for them to call on you for help and then give homework a quick check to make sure it’s complete. If the math is too different than what you learned in school or the writing assignment is over your head and your kid really needs help, talk to their teacher to see what they suggest.

When homework is done, give lots of encouraging, positive feedback. Homework doesn’t have to be 100% correct, but applaud their efforts and hard work on a job well done. A little reinforcement goes a long way to fostering your kid’s love of learning.

It’s OK to ask for help. If your kid is frequently frustrated, taking a long time to do their work, or just not getting it, bring their teacher into the loop. You are a team, after all, and the teacher might have suggestions or alternatives so that the experience stays positive for everyone.