Dear Dr Karyn,
What are some practical tips to get children to do their homework?

Answer:
Recently I interviewed Erin Hemsworth, director of Parental Guidance (www.parentalguidance.ca) and she offered 10 wonderful tips to get kids to do their homework. Here they are:

1.Set up a homework / studying routine: Make study time a component of every day, the way you do with mealtime and bedtime. Sit down with your child and, as a family, come up with a schedule that works for everyone. When planning, consider that earlier in the day is better and, the younger the child is when this is established, the less resistance you will encounter.

2.Create a space for homework time: Decide where would work best for your child and family and then provide the guidance and resources to establish this as an effective workspace. When established early, your child can enjoy this study space for years to come.

3.How much time? The rule of thumb is 10 minutes per day for each grade. For example: 10 minutes for grade 1 and 80 minutes for grade 8. This can include reading time although additional reading time is beneficial and is a great way to wind down at bedtime.

4.Help your child based on need, not want: By being involved in their schoolwork, you will soon become aware of your child’s strengths and weaknesses. The goal is to foster independence and accountability. Be sure your child knows your realistic expectations.

5.The Learning Curve Method of Studying: Also called “3 times, then it’s mine”. After learning something new, read it over within 24 hours (day 1). Go over it again 48 hours later (day 3) and then again 72 hours after that (day 6). This is a very easy yet effective way to learn and remember new information.

6.Focus on the process, not just the product: Help enable your child to enjoy the learning process by working through projects and studying for tests. Demonstrate your pride in the fact that they are working hard and planning ahead and remember that this was done even if the result or final mark doesn’t meet your expectations. Remember that people learn a lot through trial and error; focus on what was done well and then work on next steps.

7.Concentrate on the Learning Skills: They’re the most important part of the report card! In Elementary, Learning Skills include independent work, initiative, homework completion, use of information, co-operation with others, conflict resolution, class participation, problem-solving, and goal-setting. In Secondary, Learning Skills include team work, organization, works independently, work habits, and initiative. Regardless of academic aptitude, all students can develop learning skills. Once students graduate, these are the skills that employers look for, the skills that will serve your child well.

8.Provide sincere encouragement: Negative feedback can be crippling. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give constructive criticism but, when giving it, remember it is not what you say but how you say it. It is important to celebrate successes and learn from less than desired achievements.

9.Provide positive feedback: As long as it is genuine, there can never be too much positive feedback. Celebrate efforts, improvements and achievements. Take note of how hard your child worked on an assignment or test and celebrate that.

10.Model Good Work Habits: For parents who bring work home, try to do some at the same time (or at least when children can witness it happening). For parents who don’t, balance your cheque book or catch up on some letter-writing. And most importantly, let your child see you reading for pleasure