Start Daily Rituals To Avoid Homework Hassles

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Many parents have a bedtime routine their children follow. Take a bath, brush teeth, read stories and scriptures, give hugs and kisses, etc.

Just as this helps kids wind down and get ready to go to sleep, a homework ritual helps them regroup and prepare for studying.

The best rituals are simple. They're predictable and don't require kids to think. They help your children get into a habit.

Children will eventually take their own steps to prepare to do homework. But until then, you can help pave the way to this habit as parents.

*Make an announcement- this lets kids know homework time is about to begin. (Most kids do well with five minutes notice. Some children may need as much as 30 minutes to make a smooth transition from play to work.)

*Remind your child- about ending current activities. "Put away your toys." "Turn off the TV."

*Give reminders about- preparing to study. "Clear the table." "Get your books."

*Put on some soft classical music to relax them and cue them that its time.

*Ignore Complaints- and attempt to bargain for more free time. Be cheerily silent. Or reduce friction with a silly joke.

*Help set the stage- bring a glass of water or school supplies to the table.

More Homework Ideas From Our Readers

You asked for homework ideas. My kids would do homework better on the kitchen table than in their rooms, especially while I cooked dinner. They needed the noise and company. I was able to keep an eye on them to make sure they were actually working, too. It was easier to help them, too, and I was able to do two things at once. This would work for after-dinner clean-up instead of cooking, if you prefer homework after dinner, or there is a lot of it.

-Cathy Gramze

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