Homework Tips for Parents: How to Make It Less Painful

Homework Tips for Parents: How to Make It Less Painful

Though we know the importance of skill practice through homework, it is difficult for parents and children alike to “get excited” about homework.   Outside obligations, extracurricular activities, or frustrations over the material tend to make doing homework a chore.   Luckily, there are some ways to make it easier on everyone.  One of the most important tips is to establish homework as a daily family routine.  Regardless of whether it is immediately after school or when you arrive home from work, settle your child down for “homework time” before other tasks or activities.  Select a place that is quiet, comfortable, and free from distraction.  Discuss the assignment with your child to ensure she knows what is expected and then allow some independent time.  Answer questions as they arise, but do not do the work for your child; instead reteach if necessary and encourage your child to problem solve.  It will also be helpful to model focused learning while your child works on homework.  Read a favorite novel or write in your journal as these types of activities will show your child that learning continues throughout our lives.  By making time for homework through routine in a quiet and supportive environment, you will show your child that her learning and progress is important to you, and homework won’t be such a struggle.         

Stop Bullying in Its Tracks

Stop Bullying in Its Tracks

Many children will encounter a bully at some point throughout schooling.  As a parent, it is important for you to be aware of the relationships your child creates in school, talk with your child frequently about behaviors of other children, and observe your child for any changes in typical behavior as it could indicate conflicts.  If your child is the victim of a bully, make sure he knows that it is not his fault and show support by obtaining help from teachers or mental health professionals to alleviate the situation.  Identify examples of bullying with children as they occur and explain that it is not acceptable behavior and must be stopped.  It is vital to teach your child respectful behaviors towards others as bullying tends to occur as a result of intolerance of differences and teasing from others.  By showing our children that bullying is wrong and avoidable through your words and actions, we will go a long way to stopping bullies in their tracks.       

Expanding Your Child’s World Through Volunteering

Expanding Your Child’s World Through Volunteering

One of the best ways to broaden your child’s view of the world is through helping others.  Too often in our society, children are raised to believe that they are the center of the world, and they become quite selfish.  It is very important for children to understand, from an early age, that there are people in our communities who need our help and that we have an obligation to do what we can for others.  Show your child how she can make a difference through small and big gestures, from picking up trash in the park to visiting with senior citizens in a nursing home.  Research volunteer opportunities through community organizations and your child’s school, who offer many chances to make a difference.  For example, you could arrange for your child to read at the local children’s hospital or help to organize a canned food or clothing drive through school or church.  Every Christmas, have your child sort through used toys and books that can be donated to other children.  Volunteer your time at a local homeless shelter to serve a meal or offer to share your musical talent by singing for shut-ins during the holidays.  By exposing your child to the plight of others through volunteering, you will make a positive and lasting impact in the life of your child and work to change the world for others simultaneously.              

Being Patient When Your Child “Doesn’t Get It”

Being Patient When Your Child “Doesn’t Get It”

As your child progresses through school, there may be times when he just doesn’t understand a concept.  He may have difficulty sounding out words, comprehending what he just read, or knowing how to borrow in subtraction.  There are a few points to remember when this happens.  Primarily, know that your child’s rate of learning is different from those of every other child.  Some children grasp new concepts immediately and need new challenges.  Others, however, need a lot of explanation, practice, and repetition before that light bulb brightens.  When your child has that difficulty with learning, practice patience.  Continue to work with your child on challenging concepts by finding alternate ways to teach that may better fit your child’s learning style.  For example, your child may be a visual or tactile learner, so use pictures or hands-on materials to teach those harder concepts.  Technology may also be a great tool to employ with the use of reading and math websites that have numerous learning games and activities.  Most importantly, talk with your child’s teacher about your concerns and ask for guidance in what you can do at home to facilitate learning of those hard concepts.  All teachers will gladly provide extra practice activities or have suggestions and tips that make learning easier for your child. 

Making Learning Meaningful for Your Young Child

Making Learning Meaningful for Your Young Child

You are your child’s first and most important teacher.  Every day offers new learning opportunities through the people your child meets, the places you go, and the situations that occur.  Use those opportunities as ways to connect your child’s learning to the world around him.   Encourage play with your young child as she discovers the world.  Sing songs, play with blocks, and fill your child’s life with bright colors and sounds.  Talk with your child at every opportunity to facilitate language development, and if you are bilingual, speak both languages to your child interchangeably.  Even though constant talk may seem silly, verbal interaction with your child is vital to language acquisition.  Provide your child with many hands-on play things to assist in developing her fine motor skills, even if it is as simple as a pot and wooden spoon as she learns how to create her own sounds and music.  Using every chance to broaden your child’s learning and development through even the most simple of things is the most valuable thing you can do for your young child.      

Being Your Child’s Biggest Advocate

Being Your Child’s Biggest Advocate

No one knows your child like you do, so as he progresses through school, it is important that you do everything necessary to ensure that your child’s unique needs are addressed by the educational system.  First, create a good relationship with his teachers, as these are the people who spend the majority of the day with your child.  Learn the curriculum and the expectations that will be placed on your child and work at home daily to reemphasize what is being taught during the day.  Volunteer in the classroom when possible to see what occurs in your child’s class so you know the type of learning environment and how the teacher interacts with her students.  Most importantly, if your child is struggling or is excelling far beyond what is being taught, discuss your concerns with his teacher and school specialists to determine what best can be done to meet his needs.  Schools have many resources to assist your child, and it is your duty to ensure they are utilized.  By being a presence in the school and insisting on personalized instruction and differentiation for your child, he will feel success in learning.