The problem: My child gets distracted from homework.
Set the stage for success.
Do:
- It may seem obvious to you that homework is a predictable part of daily life, but some kids have an out-of-sight, out-of-mind attitude about homework. This week try going overboard in setting up ways to help your child keep track of their responsibilities.
- Get a handle on screen time. Social media is a big distractor and can actually be addicting. Clear guidelines for your children’s use of it need to be set up, agreed upon, and upheld. (Remember that you are the role model!) Boundaries with screen time will support your family’s emotional health, face-to-face relationship time, and dedicated homework time.
- Together, create a set of homework principles and agree to them. For example: no screen time before homework. Or tackle the hardest homework first. Maybe allow a short break between assignments.
- Create visual reminders: a note at the front door: “Did you remember your homework?” Organize their study area. Keep social media devices, such as cell phones, completely out of sight.
- Establish a routine time for homework, so that it’s as much of a habit as buckling your seat belt when you get into the car.
Don’t win the battle and lose the war.
Don’t turn every evening into a battle royale. Keep the big picture in mind. Homework can be really tough on kids, so keep a positive, problem-solving outlook.
Speak from a place of optimism.
Say: “Let’s work on this together to make sure you remember to do your homework and turn it in. What would be helpful for you?”
Labels can be tempting, but they’re counterproductive.
Don’t say: “Where’s your head? You’re so easily distracted! I don’t know what to do with you! You’re such a space case.”
Labels set kids up to repeat themselves.
Why: Kids believe their parents. So when you call your child a space case, you help make it so. Better to tackle this as a relatively simple problem that can be solved together. It might not work the first time, or the second, but this process will teach your child that problems like this can be solved.
