Completing Homework
Dear Principal,
Every night my son and I argue over his homework. How can I get him to just sit down and do it?
Mrs. Mackenzie
Dear Mrs. Mackenzie,
Once during Parent-Teacher interviews a similar problem was raised. I asked the student what his favourite television show was, how long it was, and when it was on. Naturally he answered without hesitation.
When asked about his homework he replied that he did it whenever he could, for as long as it took, wherever in the house there was space.
Children usually benefit from establishing a homework time and place - the kitchen table from 7:00 - 7:30 for example. Homework should become a routine part of their evenings just as television has.
Deciding on the duration for homework will help reduce the discussion over whether he has homework. If he doesn't have any assigned homework, then he can spend the time reviewing the previous day's work.
Wherever the homework place is, it must be free of distractions. Few children are able to work with the television or radio turned on. A place where mom and dad can watch and answer questions is often the best solution.
In addition to reducing arguments, a visible homework place at an assigned time should also makes the time spent more productive.
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