The Homework Blues
Lets face it, they happen to the best of us. I loved learning and even I had homework blues. Now as a mother, even though we homeschool we still sometimes face homework blues. We have not hit them yet this year so far but the time will come and I have to be ready! We all should be ready. Hopefully these tips will help.
Before getting to the tips I think we need to think about two things, first is do we feel are even able to help with home work? If you feel like your over your head, there is help and you can google homework help or just click here. It is important to feel confident or have a back up you can turn to if you’re in over your head. The best homeschool parents are the best because they have back up and know when to call for help!
The second thing beyond being able to help or get help is look at your goals as a parent or homeschooling parent. What might look like homeschool blues could be some other unknown need your child has. Possibly anxiety, bully stress, family or friend issues, health issues. If it is a really hard home work day maybe look at what is deeper, remember the point of the homework and weigh the costs of pushing to get it done or focusing on the other possible needs of the child. Chances are your child will not remember that days homework in years to come. They might however remember how you helped them deal with the other things going on in their lives.
TIPS For helping battle the Homework Blues
- Set your child up for success! Have a dedicated homeschool area that is clean and waiting for them.
- Make sure all needed items are well-organized and near by, pencils and paper and the like.
- Have clear ground rules, homework happens when? After what? Before such and such.
- Let your child know your there to help!
- Let your child know if you don’t know how to help that you can help them get to someone who can.
- Have snacks available!
- Be willing to try things like Music during homework, it has been said to help with memory and learning! Not to mention it is known to improve mood. On a hard day it could provide the needed boost.
- Motivate your child! I know some consider this bribing but really we all have things that motivate us. Remind you child of the things that motivate them be it video games, friend time, or special toys.
- Be an example. Sit down and read a book, or pay the bills, or find some kind of “parent” homework to do. Remember our children are always watching and they tend to do what we do.
- Take a break! Dance it out, play a game, go for a walk together. Find a way to recharge your child.
- What ever you do, Don’t Shame or Punish your child. It doesn’t help. Give of yourself, your time, your care!
