Homework Hassles
Helpful tips to get you through.
by Nanette L. Avery Ed.S.
PARENTGUIDE News November 2005
Homework hassles; it’s a problem that has been
plaguing parents since the inception of school. Year
after year, parents have brought their concerns to my
classroom and have asked for advice. Although there
is no panacea for eliminating homework hassles, there
are some effective approaches that have been advised
by many experts and are rather practical and helpful.
Parents should not take over. Convey the importance
of school and homework. Let your child know that this
is something you and the family value. You are there
as a support system, to monitor progress. Parents who
take the responsibility and get that good grade for
the child may be proud, but who has truly earned the
“A?” Remember, homework teaches a child
responsibility and the skills to work independently.
Begin to help your child by deciding on a good homework
routine. Where will it be done; at what time of the
day? Children need a study area that is well lit and
quiet; a place where siblings won’t disturb them.
They need to schedule homework into their lives like
other important activities. It is possiblee that the
schedule needs to be revised because things do come
up— sports, outside classes, even relatives or
guests staying over for awhile. Changes in the house
can occur and may alter the original time and location.
Simply pick the time with care. Remember, don’t
nag. A brief reminder is all that is required. Just
monitor homework so you know what they have completed
and check for any teacher comments.
This does not mean that you have to take a totally hands-off
approach. Just remember to keep your involvement to
a minimum. Talk over the assignments and provide guidance
by:
• checking over completed work.
• discussing ideas.
• demonstrating examples to problems.
• helping with directions.
• formulating a schedule for long range assignments
such as book reports and projects, into smaller workable
parts. A monthly calendar can help.
To avoid any last minute “parent” stress,
keep a handy homework kit available containing routine
supplies. This will keep you from rushing out to the
store at the last minute. Here are suggestions for filling
your “kit” with goodies:
Pencils, erasers, pens, writing paper, construction
paper, ruler, colored pencils, crayons, rubber bands,
markers, a children’s dictionary, glue, scotch
tape and stapler. These items are age-appropriate for
younger elementary age students. You will need to modify
your kit according to the age of your child.
Not everyone learns the same way, and your child is
no different. Though this is not easy, take time to
observe. Does your child get more work done with someone
else around? For example, he or she may enjoy working
with you nearby as you do work or read. Does your child
need to visually see things to understand or does your
child understand hearing “the directions”
better than reading them?
• Let your child know that you have recognized
his effort to work hard.
• Praise your child in front of others, such as
a grandparent, for his “great job” on homework.
• Make sure both parents are doing the praising.
• Be sure your criticism is constructive and specific.
For example: “Your spelling homework is so neat,
I can tell you really tried to use your best handwriting.”
Hope these tips are helpful and that you find that homework
doesn’t have to be a hassle!
Nanette Avery, Ed.S, is a Florida teacher and writer.
Her works have been published in over a dozen educational
journals and magazines. She is the recipient of two
literary grants, and most recently presented at the
2005 Florida Literacy Conference in Orlando. Nanette
lives and teaches in Miami, Florida.
