What to do when children say they hate homework

This article is a compilation of expert’s suggestions on how parents should respond to a child’s frustration or rage over homework assignment workload.

I hear you

Usually, after a long day sitting down in class and learning, then the last thing one should do is to sit doing again and work on long homework assignments. Parents should discuss the problem with the child and walk through viable homework solutions . Explain to the child that the challenge is the teacher’s insistence on all children doing more practice. To make it easier for the child, then divide the work into two halves; then do the first half before dinner and then do the last half after dinner, or propose an option of the child playing first and then do all the assignments all at once.

We are doing it together

Research studies have shown that at times parents are negative on issues about homework. Deborah Tillman observes that parents allow themselves to engage in meaningless arguments with children. For example, a child might say that he or she is not going to do the homework, and then the parent replies that you will do the homework. This kind of argument is not helpful to the child. Parents should motivate their children and ensure they avoid engaging in battles over homework. An ideal scenario is that when it is homework time, then everyone should do his or her bit of homework. This way, the student will feel motivated and not alone doing homework.

Taking a snack before doing homework

It is boring and difficult when homework assignment frustrates a child. Usually, homework time happens when children are grumpy and wiped out. Homework time often happens in the evening when willpower is low, and when self-control is low. Therefore, this is akin to asking something difficult for children and particularly the young ones. To restore self-control, you need to raise the blood sugar level. Therefore, when children say they hate homework as a parent, offer them a snack rich in protein with a glass of water to hydrate their bodies. When we reinstate humor and blood sugar, we will complete our homework easily.

Inform their teacher

Often when children complain of homework overload, they have a point. However, once they are of age, they will advocate for themselves and inform their teachers about the homework overload. It enables them to learn an essential skill of how to communicate something that is not working. Since they are going to work out there, this skill of communication is valuable. One day they will have to talk to a spouse, college roommate, or boos.

Break it down

Studies have shown that children go through a lot of stress and fear when doing massive projects. When a child struggles with a considerable homework project or the agony of even starting, assist him or her break the project down to manageable components. Guide them on how to create a regular timeline, a list of things they will need, and a to-do list. Provide some help on time management, together with how to scale back on the project if need be. However, avoid doing the actual work for your child, because you will do more harm than good. Assisting very much weakens children’s intrinsic inspiration, weakens confidence, and weakens skill development.

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