Sanity Saving Tips to Help Our Child Learn
Nowadays the pressures of school and keeping up can be extremely difficult even for a first or second grader. And, often a child's first reaction to something they don't understand or haven't taken the time to try and understand is, "I don't get it! So how can we help our children succeed in school, with their homework and help us from not losing our patience? Fortunately, there are a number of fairly simple tips that can help your child 'get it' and that will help you keep your sanity in tow.
- Create a homework station. Select areas where your child will not easily be distracted. It also helps to organize your child's space with all the stuff they'll need to minimize their 'endless search' (i.e. procrastination!) for those elusive pencils, erasers, paper and all else.
-Determine your child's needs. Just as we need a break at the end of a long day, so do our children so let them have a consistent and specific amount of time to chill. Let them take a bike ride, enjoy a snack, watch a little television or just play with one of their favorite toys, games or a friend.
-Create a homework routine. Children need and respond to routines. We set them for going to sleep and eating meals, and the same applies to homework. Be sure that once you choose a time you stick to it, too.
-Let the chant "I don't get it serve as an alert. As soon as you hear these words have your child read the directions aloud to you. Generally, you'll find that they 'get it'. They just rather have you 'get it' for them. Also when kids hear the directions, it often makes the homework clearer.
-Remember it's their homework not yours! This is a hard thing for parents to remember since we want our children to do well. However, two things to keep in mind: 1.) Our children don't have to get every answer correct, and 2.) They become more confident in their ability to learn independently if they get the answers right without our help. Of course we should provide and offer support if we're asked…just try to stop there.
-Stay on top of your child's homework. This may seem contrary to the last tip, but it actually compliments it. Though we shouldn't be doing our children's homework, we should know what they are learning and responsible for so we can monitor that they are completing assignments and understanding what they are learning. This will help you identify any learning problems or other related issues.
-Attend workshops to help your child. Many districts and schools offer workshops to help you help your child with their school work. Just check with them. These workshops are usually free and are helpful not only for parents but caregivers and grandparents…food and childcare are often provided as well!
About the Author
Julie Edelman is president of Lifestyle Beat Media, a lifestyle expert, reporter and published author. As a working woman and mom, Julie combines real life street smarts, experiences and professional endeavors with a relaxed, inspirational and entertaining style to help us master our daily lives, our family and our domain.
