5 Easy Hacks For When Homework Causes Stress
The 2022-2023 school year is officially underway, and that means one thing:
Homework.
As parents, we don't have too much control over whether your child's teacher sends homework, or over whether your child likes it.
Unfortunately, though, those homework battles are fought on the homefront.
I know that homework can be a huge source of stress for parents and children. And I have a secret...
It's not worth it! I said it. The homework stress is NOT worth it.
After a long day of work, parenting, school, activities, and more...we are ALL tired. And your relationship will not benefit from another excruciating fight over multiplication facts.
That doesn't mean you do the homework for them.
And it doesn't mean you toss the assignment pad out the window.
So...how do we deal? Here are 5 tips that will help you bring some ease back into your nightly homework routine.
Check your child's basic needs first.
Are they hungry? Do they need to relax? Get some energy out? Think about these things first when deciding your homework routine. Some kids will easily come home and want to get homework out of the way first-thing. But for other kids, that might not be what is best for them.
Step into their shoes.
Don't try to convince your child that they should like homework. It sort of stinks to work all day long, and come home and do more work. It's okay to show them that you resonate with that concept instead of faking it. They want to know that you *get it.*
Try saying, “Wow, you do have a lot of writing and math to do tonight. That stinks, I know you really want to go play with your friends. What should we tackle first?” Or something like that to tell them you are on their team and that you hear them.
One of my favorite hacks is to simply repeat what they say. This invites more of an explanation and is pretty easy for you.
Child: I HATE math homework.
Parent: “Wow, you HATE math homework!”
Child. “Yeah! I can never remember my multiplication facts and it takes me so long to remember all the steps…”
This can help you get to the root of any problems.
Clarify expectations.
Follow the 10 minute rule for homework. In first grade, your child should have no more than 10 minutes of homework. If it's taking much longer than that, consider using a timer to set a boundary around homework time.
If something is too hard, make some changes. Think about how you can simplify or shorten an assignment. Perhaps, if your child is getting writing practice with another assignment, they can type instead of hand-write. Consider a tutor to support academic needs.
Advocate
Advocate for your child by speaking with the teacher about appropriate modifications (there is a kind, polite, and gracious way to do this).
This goes along with tip #3. If homework is beyond where your child is, then you need to reach out to the teacher and make another plan. Homework should be extending upon topics covered in class that your child is already familiar with. If this is not the case, and is taking a huge amount of time to accomplish each night, then something needs to change.
Make a plan
Make a plan with your child for homework time. Brainstorm with your child some ways to make homework time easier.
Your child may come up with some great ideas. Maybe they want their snack while they do homework. Maybe they want to sit and do homework near you while you are completing house tasks. Perhaps they want some light music in the background, or quick breaks every 10 minutes.
Kids are extraordinarily creative!
I know homework time can be a huge stressor for a lot of families. I was once a 22 year old teacher who probably gave too much homework, but over time I learned that family time is what is most important after a long day of navigating the academic and social dynamics of school.
Give teachers grace, and remember that you know your child. Advocate, communicate, and problem solve.
We’ve got this!
I hope these tips help get you and your family ready for another great school year! If you liked this post, be sure to check out my other post: How to Set-Up a Practical Homework Station at Home for Kids.
And don’t forget to download my free checklist packet here to help get your kiddo organized.
I have created a packet of sample checklists in Canva. I would love to share those with you to get you started! Simply use the one that makes the most sense for you and adjust it as necessary.
Want these templates for yourself?!
