Getting Our Kids to Do Their Homework

I seem to be focused on the art of getting our kids in that upper echelon of the academia today. I want us to look at how we can as parents, encourage our children to do their homework without effectively. Getting their homework done and on time will make them imbibe the culture of hard work and punctuality, not to mention that it adds to their overall performance at school. Being singled out for not having done one’s homework or for being tardy in submission could affect a child’s self confidence, and we don’t want that to happen. The following tips could assist us as parents.

·     Set a time during the day for the kids after school studies – it is within this period that homework should be done

·     Allocate time for homework and other studies – you need to monitor them

·     If you can afford it, there should be a separate room used as the family study – if you cannot afford it, then find a quiet corner of the house for use as study

·     If you do not have such quiet place, use your living room, but make sure that all electronic devices –TV, Radio, etc – are switched off

·     Never do your kid’s homework for him. However, you can give him a general hint on the direction to go

·     Provide the necessary materials and resources for the kid to excel. If it is a research project, take the child to the library; encourage him to look for the materials at the library himself (that is if he is of age)

·     Crosscheck his home work to confirm he did all. While it is very tempting to correct his mistakes, it is advisable that you do not do that. However, you may point out to him where you think he should have a second look

·     Praise him when he finishes his homework and study; you may reward him with some play time (this should actually be part of his daily routine)

·     Take interest in his school work by keeping in touch with his teachers

·      Above all, lead by example as kids will get into the habit of reading when they see their parents doing same