Getting children to do their homework can be stressful for parents. For some it's a daily battle. So how can you improve the situation?
Taking responsibility
Although you have to teach your children that getting homework done is their responsibility, parents may have signed a home/school contract which includes and agreement to ensure homework is completed on time. Some children love completeing tasks at home while for others homework is something they'd like to forget about. Until children are mature enough to develop a sense of responsibility parents have to assume it.
Become a facilitator
Parents have to provide the right environment for homework to be done, whether this is in the kitchen while a parent prepares a meal or at a desk in a bedroom. Younger children may need parental imput like asking questions or making suggestions but not supplying answers or doing the homework for them.
Work alongside
It helps children if you can work alongside them, for instance updating your diary or doing some budgetting or organising papers. Then you child can ask for help or talk about what she is doing as you sit together.
Plan and timetable
Children usually have a homework diary. Make a point of checking this regularly and use a timetable with your child so that they can see when a task need to be completed by and when they should be working on it. This is particularly useful when children have projects to work on during a half-term. Don't let them leave the work until the last minute.
Have a routine
Routine is so important in so many areas of life. Routine means children learn to understand that certain things need to be done before others. Most children need a bit of "down time" when they return from school so playing a game, reading a book or watching a TV programme before homework can be beneficial. Certainly a drink and snack will help them concentrate. Homework should be an integral part of daily life.
Helping with difficulties
Homework can highlight subjects that a child finds difficult. If this is the case, liaise with the school. Teachers should be able to provide a strategy to help.
Provide the right equipment
It's a good idea to have equipment like paper, pencils, pens and rulers in a convenient place. You may also need to factor in a visit to the library or supervise some internet research.