Good Homework Habits

Motivate a disinterested child to finish schoolwork successfully.
By Francie Alexander

1.Set up a schedule. Here\'s a sample to help you with your planning. This schedule is designed with your daughter\'s/son’s \"dislike\" for homework in mind and gives his/her a break. But some children do best when they do homework right after school.

4:00 Rest, relax. Kids need space and downtime in their schedules.

4:30 – 5:30 Sports, art, and other planned activities, sometimes with friends.

5:30 – 6:30 Homework. Have her/him do it in the kitchen or somewhere close by while dinner is being prepared, so she/he can ask questions and doesn\'t feel isolated.

6:30 – 7:30 Dinner and family time.

7:30 – 8:00 More homework time, if needed

8:00 – 8:30 Free time. If your daughter/son wants to watch TV, view it with her/him.

8:30 – 9:00 Reading and getting ready for bed.

2. Talk to the teacher. Check on how much time the teacher expects your daughter/son to spend on homework. Ask for ideas on motivating students.

3. Develop the homework habit. Once you find out what works for you and your daughter/son (a carefully planned schedule, a \"no television or telephone conversations until homework is finished\" rule, or something else) stick to it.

This is a good time to teach your daughter/son how to keep schoolwork, play, fitness and other activities in balance. School is obviously job one for your kids, but it is as important for her/him to keep up with friends, pursue other interests, and to have time to just be. You are helping her/him with an important life lesson — and hopefully establishing a little more harmony at home.

Adapted from Scholastic.com.