How to Survive that Crazy thing called Homework Time
Homework. What’s up with that?
What is up with this thing called homework? I know that some kiddos can do it without complaint- but where do they live? Not in my house!
I get it- homework serves a purpose. It helps you practice skills to keep them fresh in your noggin. It preps you for time management. It gives you the life lesson of sucking it up things you don’t like.
Here’s what I don’t understand. If you have a child that struggles with the material in class how does sending more of the same work home help? I tell my students it is similar to sitting in a class that is taught in Russian and then going home and having the same material again… in Russian! You don’t understand it any more than when you were in class!
Then your child asks you for help, and you are expected to be fluent in Russian too!
Surrender - Just like the Cheap Trick Song
The first thing we need to do is to admit complete and total defeat. Homework is her, and it is not bringing any form of good cheer.
Whether your child is in 1st or 12th grade- homework is coming through the door, and with it comes a thunderstorm.
Once we surrender to the idea that homework frustration is going to happen, then we can create our plan.
The issue with parenting books is that they assume your house is the one they are writing about. How can they possibly know the details of every family in the world? How can they possibly know what is right for MY family with its unique schedules and learning struggles? So let’s get one thing straight.
You are the expert here!
What is your child’s reaction to homework time? What are their strengths and weakness? Let’s learn to accept our children where they are currently at. If we keep wishing that they would come home and do the work with no complaints, we are setting ourselves up for frustration.
Accept that their current attitude is what we are dealing with. Now- how are you best equipped to handle it? I have a ton of training that can give you tools to add to your tool belt- but I’m willing to bet that you know some pretty awesome strategies that work best. So let’s start with what you already know!
When you and your kiddo have had a positive homework experience what worked?
Let’s get it down on paper so you can have a clear strategy of what to your strengths and weaknesses. Then you need to take those moments and build them. It’s called tweak and repeat.
Tweak and Repeat (it’s like the bend and snap but more relevant to homework)
There are two simple steps to get you on your path to homework awesomeness
1) Download this worksheet to help you figure out what needs tweaking and what needs repeating in your homework strategy. Not your child’s strategy YOURS! This worksheet will help you clarify the thoughts and attitudes that you are bringing into homework time and what might need some revisions.
2) Signup for the Homework Playbook list. I am guiding a limited number of parents through my parent workshop that helps you shift your mindset on all things homework. This workshop can be completed from home or in the carpool lane (thanks internet). In addition to the online videos and digital worksheet, you will receive weekly support from myself and other parents that help you re-partner with your child over homework. Whether you you have a child in 1st grade or 12th grade- this workshop is for you. Why? Because it is the only parent support where YOU are the expert! No more parenting books that make you feel like a failure. The Homework Playbook is guided by an expert but written by you! But you won’t be able to join the founder’s class if you don’t sign up for the MVP (most valuable parent-see what I did there?) list !
Marni Pasch | Team Pasch Academic Coaching
I work with students in grades 6th and higher, who struggle with academic confidence and motivation. I help them survive school with less stress by helping them create concrete goals, tackle procrastination and learn creative study techniques. I empower students to take charge of their education and reach their goals. I do this through individual or group coaching so students achieve success in life, school, career readiness and their social endeavors.
