How to make Kids do their Homework

How many of you actually like the term ‘homework’, dear students? As a kid, I have vivid memories of my silliest excuses for not completing my Math homework on time. Yes, of course, I had my private tutor to guide me in this subject, but then again I was generally averse to Math. Sometimes, I even felt Math seemed to have developed a hatred for me, especially Calculus. And so, I always put on a glum face every time I opened the Math textbook to work on the 50 Calculus problems that were part of my daily school homework.

So, what is that magic formula that can inspire children to complete their homework without any fuss and that too, on time? And then again, is it really as simple as that? If you ask me, I would say that it actually depends on your approach. If you make the homework seem ‘interesting’ to your kids, half your battle is already won!

Homework, as you know, is an essential part of education that is too crucial to be ignored. It is an important form of feedback for teachers and helps them assess how well their students are learning what is being taught in class. Though it might appear slightly taxing or monotonous, completing the homework assigned to students helps prepare them for their exams. It also helps them identify any loopholes in the learning process. Here are the best ways in which you can make your kids complete their homework on time:

• Know why homework is important: First of all, convince yourself about the utility of homework. As I just mentioned, homework helps children develop their critical thinking skills and analytical power. Some subjects like Math and Grammar require considerable amount of practice. Without proper completion of homework, it is impossible to achieve perfection in these subjects. Homework also helps children understand the value of concentration and effective time management. Once you are aware of the benefits of doing homework, you would certainly find out a way to make your kid do it.

• Make it easier: Rather than acting as the aggressor, try to be a facilitator for your kid. What I mean is avoid making your child finish his homework by force, like screaming at him. Instead, take some time to explain why homework is significant for his or her success. Check if his study-room is noise-free and free of electronic gadgets. Does your child possess a ruler, pencil, pen, calculator, laptop, appropriate books and other essential study material? Kids often complain that they lack the things required to complete their homework on time.

• Talk about it: Talking about a problem often brings up a solution to combat it. So, speak to your kids about their homework. Ask them which topics scare them the most and try to understand them yourself. Next, make them understand the basics of those topics. In addition, set deadlines for your kids to complete their homework and praise them if they meet these deadlines. But, if their problems persist, you might think of engaging a tutor. At the same time, do remember to gift your child some ‘homework-free’ moments, when he can indulge in his hobbies.

• Shift the ‘homework’ responsibility: Help your child do his homework, but as you do so, make sure that he is not becoming completely dependent on you. Your child must realize the importance of finishing his homework within the specified time. Therefore, after a point of time, you must be ready to shift the entire responsibility of completing homework over to your kid. This would help your child learn how to be more responsible about his studies. But, never forget to check if he has completed all his homework on time.

• Let kids know the outcome: Most school teachers punish students who attend classroom without completing their homework. Or, without doing it in the accurate way specified in the class. Let your child face the consequences of not finishing his homework. There are various kinds of learners inside a classroom. Chances are, most other students would be ready with their assignments. When your child notices this, it would definitely prompt him to correct his ways sooner or later.

• Never do your kid’s homework: Ah! I know you are often tempted to do your child’s homework yourself. You must be feeling, “How swiftly I would have completed filling in the prepositions had I been in his place”, when your child is stuck in his Grammar homework. I would suggest you resist all such temptations. Stop interfering too much in your child’s homework, irrespective of any subject. Your child would feel more confident if you let him solve his own problems, even if that involves more time. Trust me, it would enable him to progress more rapidly in his academics.

• Treat homework like a game: I bet your child loves playing games. Most kids do! So, why not make homework seem like an exciting game to your children? For instance, when your kid is trying to solve his Mental Math problems, promise him a tiny gift for every appropriate answer that he comes up with! You can make a cup of hot chocolate for him (if he likes it), or buy him his favorite candy. These token gestures really encourage young kids to a great extent.

These are just a few basic techniques you can adopt as parents to motivate your kids to complete their homework on time. You must help them get rid of their ‘homework-phobia’. Sit with them for hours if needed as you explain the value of delivering their assignments on time. Be patient, as children often make mistakes. Then, very gently, offer them your assistance to complete their homework. But, once they are able to do it on their own, let them complete their assignments independently. And very soon, you would find your child showing you how he completed his homework all by himself and that too, before time!