Homework is an inevitable part of education, starting young and continuing throughout the years. Building solid study strategies and routines in the elementary years will not only help children succeed in their current subjects but set them up for a lifetime of successful learning. As children adjust to the added responsibilities, frustrations and family spats can ensue. Set the stage for hassle-free homework time with these tips. 

Why is Homework a Struggle?

At the end of the school day, children are physically and mentally exhausted. They’ve been learning all day, and the last thing they feel like doing is exerting more mental concentration. It can also be difficult if students are struggling in a subject and they aren’t eager to think about it more at home. 

How to Reduce Frustration 

At the end of the day, it’s not just students who are tired. Parents may also feel tapped out after being at work. Establishing some rules and routines will help set expectations and keep both parents and students on track. 

• Create a routine. Establish a regular time to do homework each day. For many children, eating a snack when they get home and then diving straight into homework works well. Keep the time relatively consistent to build the routine and reduce complaints about getting to work. 

• Set up a work station. Have a dedicated space for homework where your child will complete their work each day. The area should be free of distractions but within adult supervision limits to ensure students stay on task. It’s also helpful for parents to be available for questions but not hovering. 

• Determine a strategy for task management. With a little trial and error, determine if your child works better tackling the hardest things first then moving on to the easier tasks OR if they thrive by the sense of accomplishment in knocking the simple ones off the list first. Use this to triage assignments daily and see how to best tackle the day’s work. 

• Manage stress before it snowballs. If your child is getting frustrated or overwhelmed, have them take a break and stretch or do a few minutes of physical activity. Stepping away before they meltdown can be crucial for everyone. Determine if the meltdown stems from exhaustion or lack of understanding the subject matter and approach accordingly. 

• Know when to ask for help. If the stress becomes too much, consider having them stop working and email the teacher to explain the situation and ask for a time that your child can go to them for some extra help. 

While learning good study strategies and completing assignments is important for students, sometimes the frustrations can outweigh the benefits. If you’re having repeated homework battles at home, reach out to the classroom teacher for their perspective and consider extra help before or after school or enlist the help of a tutor. You may also reach out to the pediatrician to help determine if your child may benefit from additional services to accommodate learning difficulties.