Problems and Solutions Regarding Homework

After the schools open, conflicts regarding homework begin in some households. The following recommendations will be beneficial in eliminating these conflicts that are distressing for both parents and children.

Parents' Incorrect Behaviors Regarding Homework

*Parents of children who struggle to do their homework often resort to methods such as constant reminders, efforts to persuade the child, offering rewards, scolding, and threatening to ensure the homework is done. In some families, violence is also used against children who do not want to or do not do their homework. While this may complete the homework due that day, similar issues will arise again the next day.

A routine of doing homework that starts this way will continue unless the parents take action to change the situation. Since the responsibility of thinking about, reminding, and doing the homework always falls on the parents, the child never thinks about starting to do their homework independently. However, this is what should happen. The focus should be on the child gaining this responsibility, rather than just having the homework completed, and actions should be taken to facilitate this.

*It is not correct to intervene at every stage while the child is doing their homework to make it better or more perfect.

*Frequently reminding and questioning the child about their homework in a way that overwhelms them is an incorrect behavior.

*Some parents erase their children's poorly written work and make them rewrite it. This can particularly increase the reluctance of first and second-grade students towards homework.

Instead, it would be more appropriate to look at the positive side. Your child's writing may have improved compared to last week, or perhaps the beginning of the writing was good but deteriorated later. Emphasizing such positive aspects, say things like, "You wrote the first three lines very well; I believe you will do even better over time."

*Children need to gain the responsibility of doing homework on their own, but this does not mean you should not check their homework or show no interest. If your child is used to doing their homework with you, they may be confused when left entirely to their own devices.

You should gradually give them the responsibility. You should also gradually stop checking their homework and appreciate their efforts. If they do their homework incompletely, you should contact their teacher to understand the situation thoroughly and ensure your child completes their deficiencies the next day. Otherwise, they may think nothing will happen if they do not complete their homework and continue this behavior.  

Teachers' Incorrect Attitudes Regarding Homework

*Assigning homework that exceeds the child's capacity and frustrates them (Especially for those with issues like learning difficulties or ADHD, it is beneficial to assign special homework suitable for the child's situation.)

*Not checking whether homework has been done, not setting clear boundaries regarding this, and not applying any sanctions for incomplete homework.

*Criticizing the child harshly and belittling them for not doing their homework.

Responsibilities of Parents Regarding Homework

To transition children from doing homework with help from an adult to being able to do it independently as quickly as possible, it is essential to remember that the primary function of this homework is to help the child develop the skills to work independently, access information, and become responsible individuals.

Initially, children need to be closely monitored and assisted. Many parents stand by their child during this time, answering their questions and correcting their mistakes. However, it is a better approach to give the child the opportunity to think for themselves, conduct research, make decisions, and plan.

You should not forget that your child's ability to do their homework independently does not mean you have no obligations in this regard. It is important for your child's development that you pay attention to their homework, monitor what they do, check it, and encourage them. Praise your child for their completed homework, hang up a piece of work they are proud of, and write notes indicating that they are making good progress and that you are proud of them. Properly motivating children is very effective.

If your child says they cannot do their homework independently and always wants your help, think about and investigate the reasons for this. They may be behaving this way because they see it as an opportunity to spend time alone with you. They may need their homework to be checked and approved at every stage because they lack confidence. Perhaps the homework exceeds their capacity. Or maybe you have gotten them too accustomed to doing homework together.

It is important for your child to understand that the main purpose of homework is to help them take responsibility for a task assigned to them and to be able to do it independently. If you always do homework together and they tend to seek your approval for every step they take, try to gradually change this system. Slowly reduce the time you spend with them.

Breaking down the homework into sections can also be helpful. Set a reasonable time for each section. Ask your child to complete one section, for example, within 20 minutes. Tell them that you will leave now but will return when that time is up to see what they have done. If you find that the homework is not completed when you check back, discuss what the problem is. If your child starts showing signs of fatigue or reluctance during this process, you can give short breaks between sections.

The Importance of Designating a Place for Homework

Make sure your child understands the importance of having specific characteristics for the place where they will do their homework. Explain that noise and distractions will hinder their ability to do their homework well, and assure them that you will do your best to prepare a suitable homework environment. Let them know that you expect them to stay in the designated room or corner during the time set for homework and to complete it to the best of their ability.

A quiet and organized environment, separate from the rest of the household, is suitable for doing homework. Ensure that the study area is adequately lit. If your child says they cannot concentrate in a completely silent environment, you can use soft, instrumental music that will not distract them but will not induce lethargy either.

Children should do their homework at a desk. Even if the other areas around the desk are messy, the top of the desk should be organized, and care should be taken to avoid unnecessary items.

To prevent them from getting distracted by searching for small items during homework, you can prepare a box or drawer containing only the materials your child will use while doing homework, such as paper, pencils, and rulers. Discuss with them what should be included in this box, and add any missing items that arise over time.

Collaborate with Your Child

Homework is one of the most important elements in your school-going child's life. Therefore, you should also consider their opinions on this matter.

Decide together where and at what times they will do their homework. When your child suggests a reasonable idea, approve it and compliment them for thinking well. Discuss homework time. Give them two different time options and ask them to choose one. Agree on how to remind them when it is time for homework. You can remind them, or you can set an alarm. After implementing the agreed-upon system for about 1 week to 10 days, discuss how it is going and whether it is effective. If there are any issues, look for ways to correct them. Continue these practices until you achieve the best result.

Ensure that your child is well-rested and nourished when they sit down to do their homework. Be careful to schedule homework time in a way that allows them to have time for themselves later to do things they enjoy.

When setting time limits for homework, consider your child's age and their attention span. When it comes to children's academic success, children who do not have any issues with learning and focusing can manage to do their homework during the first 5 years of primary education. However, in later years, additional time should be allocated for reviewing and studying the lessons.