Tips and tricks for your child to keep up with homework

Helping your child keep up with their homework can be a challenging task, but it can also be a great opportunity to connect with them and accelerate their academic progress! Sometimes it may be difficult to find the right balance between encouraging your child to take responsibility for their work and providing them with the necessary support. However, there are several tips and tricks that you can deploy for this endeavour.

Create a designated study/homework space

One of the easiest ways to help your child stay on top of their homework is to create a designated study and homework space, where you can read more about here as we describe how to set up a conducive learning environment at home. This includes dedicating a home schooling area, making the study space inviting for your child, and ensuring they have the necessary study materials ready. Having a specific area for homework can help your child get into the right mindset for studying and provide a sense of structure to their routine.

Establish a homework routine

Everyone knows to have their breakfast after they wake up, lunch at around noon, and dinner in the evening. Similarly to this, establishing a homework routine can also be made habitual for your child. This could involve setting aside a specific time each day for homework or breaking up their homework into manageable chunks. By creating a routine, your child can develop good study habits and learn to manage their time effectively.

Encourage breaks

While it's important to establish a routine in your child’s study plan, it's also important to encourage your child to take breaks every now and then. Children can quickly become overwhelmed if they try to work for extended periods without taking a break. Encourage them to take short breaks between homework tasks, stand up and have a good stretch, or engage in other physical activities such as cooking with you. This can help to re-energise their minds and allow them to return to their homework with a refreshed focus.

Use positive reinforcement

It’s a lovely feeling to know that you’re doing well every now and then, even as an adult. Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool that can also be used to encourage your child to continue keeping up with their homework. This could involve rewarding them with a privilege after completing their homework, such as extra screen time or playing a round of games, or providing them with verbal praise. By using positive reinforcement, you can help your child associate homework with positive feelings and motivation!

Avoid micromanaging

While it's helpful to be involved in your child's homework, it's also important to avoid micromanaging. Micromanaging can cause your child to feel stressed and anxious, which can be counterproductive. Instead, give your child space to complete their work independently, but be available to offer support and guidance when needed.

Seek help from teachers

If your child is struggling to keep up with their homework, don't hesitate to seek help from their teachers. Teachers can provide valuable insights into your child's progress and offer guidance on how you can support their learning at home. Additionally, they may be able to offer extra resources or support to help your child keep up with their work. Remember that GenieAsk is there to provide real-time academic support for your child on both weekdays and weekends!

Encourage a love of learning

To see your child picking up a book or doing their homework independently is a heartwarming sight for parents to behold. If your child is enthusiastic about their studies, they are more likely to engage with their homework and take responsibility for their work. Encourage your child to explore their interests, read books, and watch educational documentaries. By nurturing a love of learning, you can help your child develop a lifelong passion for education!