One of the most trying moments of parenting school children is getting their homework done. There are instances when a child worries too much about their homework and parents sometimes get too frustrated. These moments ensues fights, cries and storming off on both sides. While some parents don’t get mad, they become anxious about their kids’ anxiety. These approaches won’t help your kids deal with their homework worries, as parents, you should be calm about it and help your children cope. Homework will always be a part of school work and while some kids worry about it, they can survive it. Here are some ideas to help you support your kids deal with their homework worries slowly and steadily.
Be Compassionate with your Child
Homework can sometimes be tough and it can be thoroughly nerve-wracking to do. Let them know that you understand with simple statements such as “I’m sorry you are stressed and scared about this,” or “It’s hard to work on tough homework isn’t it?” With calm, reassuring statements of understanding and care can help your children can calm down their homework worries.
Calm your Child’s Body
When your child becomes really anxious about their homework, ask them to take deep, show breathes to expel “anxiety chemicals” in the brain. Do it with them to encourage them, once they have calmed down, they can learn and remember things better.
Use “Calm Sentences/Phrases”
Think of “calm sentences with your child when it comes to tough homework. Some good examples are, “I’ll try my best to do this, and it’s okay if I can’t do it all” or “My teacher hardly gets mad for unfinished homework, and even if they do, it’s okay.” Write your calm sentences on cards which they can read aloud when they get worried about homework. This way they also learn to deal with their fears and reassure themselves even without your interference.
Pep Talk with Teacher
Help your child discuss their homework worries with their teacher. Warn the teacher in advance so that they can prepare. Most teachers will be happy to help reassure children about school-related work. You can remind your child about your and their teacher’s support each time they get stressed out with tough homework.
Set a Time for Doing Homework
Ask your child to choose a set, short time for homework and stick to this routine for a month. Some children prefer to do it right after school to get it out of their way while others do it after eating and resting. If your child do their homework at the same time for a month or so, they are less likely to change the schedule and worry about it.
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