Top 7 Steps to take the Stress out of Homework

The majority of children view homework as, at best, a chore, and unless they are particularly dedicated, they find it challenging, frequently due to a lack of motivation. Take into account the following inquiries. How comfortable, focused, and relaxed is your child when he or she does his or her homework? Is it a struggle every night? If so:
 Do you have to provide homework assistance frequently? Have you spoken with the child's teachers? Have you tried gentle pep talks?
 Do you resort to harsh reprimands?
 Rarely will any or these work in isolation and pep talks and reprimands are the last things you should use as they will simply build up resistence to school and homework.
 The struggle with homework can, however, be eased by “re-programming” your childs attitude and approach to homework.
 Here is a seven step approach to curing the homework struggle:
 Step 1.  Stop talking about your child's homework. Instead, talk about how they approach homework. As part of this solution guide your child to step back and really explore the way they are approaching their studies.
 Step 2.  Find out how much pressure your child faces with homework. Ask the individual: Are you worried what your friends will think if you do or don’t do your homework?
 Do you think you are not smart enough because you find the homework challenging? Do you want to get over the struggle with your homework or do you enjoy it? Step 3.  Discuss their answers openly.
 Even if you strongly disagree with their thoughts or feelings, you should never disregard them. Whatever you think, these feelings are theirs and legitimate. They will only get stronger if you ignore them. Step 4.  Acknowledge that homework is not easy.
 Demonstrate to your child that resisting it makes the issue worse and prevents them from enjoying their remaining free time. When you change their negative attitude they will work more positively and creatively and with less pressure.  Approaching homework constructively expedites its completion and reduces stress. Step 5.  Offer your assistance as a tutor: Offer assistance on how to approach problems but don’t give the answers.  If you don’t know something say so and work with them so you learn.  Give them props for the quality of their work. Don't be afraid to make yourself look stupid. It helps them see how difficult the work is, and when they finish it, they feel better about themselves. Step 6.  “Reprogramming” should be done while your child is doing homework, but not when there is any time pressure.
 They should be able to stop and start the studying many times to discuss any problems.  At first, give it a shot on the weekend, but don't do it when they're rushing to go out. Don’t introduce it as a special time.  Your child should just regard it as a normal homework session.  You should, talk to them and focus on their resistance to homework.  It might not work right away. They will eventually give up or reduce their resistance and adopt a more upbeat attitude toward their homework. It is a process. Step 7.  Be aware that “getting work done” is not the main focus of your time using this approach.
 There will be many purposeful stops and starts, as you both explore the best way to approach homework.Let your child express his or her feelings.  Discuss and expose all their limiting beliefs and feelings and encourage them to find their own solution.
 Children and homework is a difficult mix at the best of times but tackling the real cause of their resistance will lead the a more positive approach and better grades.