Are you already tired of homework and the school year just started? Based on my Twitter and Facebook, I am not alone in my struggles to handle the homework hassle. And while we have made strides to improve our homework process, there is always room for improvement.
Here are the things that are working for us when it comes to homework time:
- Unpack when they get home. If they wait until 7pm to unpack backpacks and realize they left their math book at school, you'll have a harder time finding a solution than if you realize that at 4pm.
- The sooner the better. I do believe kids need a "break" after school, but I also know that my kids do a better job on their homework when we don't "save" it for later.
- Set up a space. We do homework in the dining room. I have a Homework Cart that can be wheeled over to the table and is stocked with all the supplies we need.
- If you don't have homework – leave the room. Homework time is serious time, and any kid not doing homework needs to leave the dining room.
- Allow for one-on-one time. If your kids are struggling or are different ages, it may be a good idea to stagger your homework times so that you can help each child one-on-one.
- It's okay to walk away. If there's a struggle, it's okay to take a break. In fact, doing something else and then regrouping may result in better understanding and better moods, too.
Like so many things in parenting, some days are better than others. But for the most part, homework is done peacefully and in a reasonable amount of time. I hope one or more of these tips and tricks will help with the homework hassle at your house.
What strategies work for you?
Hillary Chybinski is a crafty mom of two boys living the American Dream with her husband in the Philly burbs. This post was adapted from her blog, My Scraps. 
