Homework for Children: How to Get Kids to Do Homework

How Can I Motivate My Child to Do Homework?

Is Homework Essential?

As a parent, you may be frustrated at the amount of homework your child receives. Sometimes, it may seem as if the teacher has forgotten that children don't have endless free time after school. Homework may be so challenging that you need to sit with your child for hours helping him or her complete it; you may even need to hire a tutor who provides homework help. Frustrating as it may be, homework is an essential part of the learning process.

During the school day, teachers introduce new concepts to your child and provide some practice opportunities. Unfortunately, there aren't enough hours in the school day for teachers to cover everything and provide ample time for practice.

Homework fills a vital role in which children practice and reinforce key concepts learned in school. By completing homework, children study for tests and become better prepared to build on the material in later grade levels. The further your child gets in his or her education, the more homework will be assigned, so it's helpful if your child builds good study habits early on.

What Can I Do at Home?

The at-home environment that you provide for your son has an impact when it comes to completing homework. It can be beneficial to create a calm, quiet area that's free of clutter and distractions. Implement a regular schedule for after-school studying before playtime so he has a goal to look forward to.

Pinpoint the subjects your daughter struggles with most and help her work through them, but don't give away the answers so that she can gain a sense of confidence by figuring out solutions herself. When your daughter isn't doing homework, engage her in fun, educational activities and games in order to keep her sharp and in a mindset conducive to learning.

Once you have a structured work environment in place at home, determine what kind of help your son needs by speaking with his teachers and school counselors. Consider seeking help outside of school from a child psychologist or learning expert. It's possible that your son has a learning disability or a condition, such as attention deficit disorder or dyslexia. It's easier to help your son when you have a clear picture of what his particular needs are.

Hiring a Tutor

Various tutoring resources are available to you and your child. You can hire a private tutor, seek help from a national or local learning center or get online help for your child.

Private tutors are listed in local newspapers and online. Going through a company may not give you the same options as individual instruction, but the tutors are usually pre-screened and matched to your child's needs. Online tutoring can be helpful if your child needs a one-time session in order to complete a particular homework assignment.