The Counselor's Word

Ending Homework Nightmares

I hate homework! Have you heard this or a similar comment around your house since school has started? Trust me, you wouldn’t be the first. Many kids and parents dread the start of school not just because they have to come to school, but often because of the hours of dreadful time spent staring at homework they don’t want to do, or worse yet, don’t know how to do. May be I can help you out with the following ideas and guidelines for successfully completing homework on a regular basis.

This might be a hard sell for your child to buy in to, but a moderate amount of homework every evening actually is a good thing. It helps to develop strong study skills, builds a routine, and creates the opportunity for learning on a regular pace rather than "cramming" for the test. Also, the parents that treat homework as a priority are teaching their children that learning and school are important aspects in their children’s lives. So, how does your child become successful at completing homework?
Many parents think they are helping their child when they sit by the child’s side on a nightly basis and help the child through their work. You are creating a parent-dependent child for homework. It is not unusual for these parents to be doing most of the work and sweating the final grades while the student is watching the clock to see how much more time before they can get away from the table. Homework is intended to be the responsibility of the child and therefore needs to be completed by the child. The parent needs to assume the role as the supporter. I suggest that you sit for about five minutes with children under the age of eight and determine exactly what the homework assignment is and make sure they understand all the directions. After that, remove yourself from the child’s side. Reinforce the idea that when the child is finished with their work, you will be available to check it and answer questions they may have. If the child continues to ask questions in the middle of their work, simply remind them to move to the next question and when they are finished with everything you will be available to look at their question. The pitfall that many parents find themselves in is responding every time the child has a question. The next thing you know, you are sitting next to the child doing their work.

What if you believe you are doing everything right but homework continues to be a nightmare? First, talk to your child’s teacher. Make sure you are doing what the teacher expects in terms of homework. Explain to the teacher what the homework scene looks like at your house and see if they think it is normal or acceptable. You may have a child with a learning disability that has not been identified and you and your child sit in a room of frustration every evening. If you or the child’s teacher suspects a learning disability, you may want to pursue more information through an educational evaluation. To initiate this process, talk with your child’s teacher or counselor.

I hope these ideas are helpful. If you have any specific questions, please contact me at school. Thank you for your concern and willingness to be the best parent you can be. Some day your child will appreciate your efforts too.

In the Best Interest of our Children!

Mr. Hutch

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