Tips for Ending Homework Hassles
One mother said it well: "I'm tired of doing battle every evening over
spelling words, long division, and book reports. I thought I was done with
this sort of homework when I graduated from school!"
Listed below are some time-tested tips for helping your child with homework:
Help only as long as there is no frustration or anger.
When homework becomes associated with negative emotions, it's no surprise
that kids start to view learning as a real drag.
Help only as long as your child is working harder than you are.
Say, "I'll be happy to help you as long as you're working harder than I am."
Avoid sitting with your child when they are about to "get it."
Many kids come to believe that they can only learn new things…or "get it"…if
an adult is guiding them every step of the way. Explain this by saying, "Part
of my job as your Mom is to help you see that you can learn without me.
That's why there will be times when I let you work by yourself."
Thanks for reading!
Dr. Charles Fay
WHEN TO HELP WITH HOMEWORK
Alex and Jason come home with the same math homework.
Alex complains to his mom, "It's just not fair. Mr. Jenson gives us too much
homework. I don't know how to do this. He never explains anything. You need
to help me. It's going to take too long!"
"How did he explain this homework?" asks mom.
"I don't remember. You need to help me," says Alex.
Mom opens the book and points out the answers. She gets the task over quickly
and then lectures, "You'd better start paying attention in class!"
Jason makes the same complaint to his mom.
"How did your teacher explain this homework?" asks mom.
"I don't remember. You need to help me," says Jason.
"How sad," answers Mom. "I'll be happy to help when you work harder on your
schoolwork than me, and I know that you are listening in class." With that,
she tells Jason to open his book and try to remember how the teacher told him
to do the work. "You can watch your program when it's finished," she tells
Jason.
Which mom did the best job of parenting?
Which kid is more likely to start listening better in class?
I bet you know the answer.
Thanks for reading!
Jim Fay
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