Many kids struggle with completing their homework for various reasons. Some kids might even
show resistance to doing their homework, which can lead to homework battles in the house. If
you are unsure of how to encourage your kids to complete their homework or support them
with their struggles, we have some tips to follow that can help.
Firstly, it’s important to identify the issue that is causing your child to feel anxious about their
homework or resistant to completing it. Potential reasons include the homework being too
challenging, difficulty with concentration, feeling overwhelmed, and distractions. Once you’re
able to identify the problem, it will become easier to solve it.
If your child is having a hard time with their homework and they’re feeling anxious and
overwhelmed as a result, let them know that you are there for them to help. That doesn’t mean
that you should be completing the homework for them, but you can be there to support them
when needed. Sometimes kids feel frustrated when they look at the amount of work all at once
and this can also cause them to rush through it. What you can do as their parent is guide them
on breaking their homework into smaller chunks to focus one at a time. Encourage them to also
create a checklist to keep track of all assignments so they know what they’re completing and
what they have left.
If your child doesn’t know how to do their homework, you don’t have to necessarily have the
answers for them. What you can do is help them figure out where they can get the guidance
they need. For an example, if your kid is struggling with a tricky math problem, guide them on
where they find the lesson for the problem in their math textbook. Often, when a child receives
support, it can make their struggles feel less frustrating and motivate them to resolve their
challenges. And by not providing the answers for them, you’ll be teaching them independent
skills for figuring out problems on their own. There are also great apps and resources that can
assist in homework such as Khan Academy, IXL, and Chegg Study.
Many kids struggle with concentration, especially those with ADHD and learning challenges. To
help with this, consider creating a homework space within the household that provides the
ideal environment for getting homework done. This should be a quiet space free of distractions,
so there should be no televisions. Ask your kid to not have their mobile or electronic devices
around, with the exception that they’re needed for their homework. Otherwise, these devices
can provide disruptions or distract them. If your kid has a hard time focusing for a long period
of time, advise them to take breaks. Taking breaks while studying or completing assignments is
beneficial in general, especially if your child engages in physical activity. Movement helps free
tension and anxiety and can improve memory and concentration.
If your child is battling homework anxiety, try use self-calming techniques like meditation,
taking deep breaths, or going for a short walk. You can also encourage your kid to open up to
you about their anxieties to have a better understanding of what’s bothering them and what
advice would be helpful to hear. Sometimes a child simply feels that they’re not smart or skilled
enough and this would be a good opportunity to remind them of their strengths. Boosting your
child’s self-esteem will make them feel more confident and motivated to do their homework.
Lastly, if your child has ADHD, a learning disability, or anxiety, please call the office to schedule
a visit on next steps in evaluation.