Do your kids procrastinate on starting their homework? Or, do they get started on it but it takes them hours to complete it? We all know homework isn’t too fun, however, it is necessary and important for your child’s knowledge.  Here are some tips to help you figure out what to do if your child dreads homework.

Have a different outlook

It all starts with you. You may find yourself dreading your child’s homework just as much as they are. Don’t look at you’re their schoolwork as another annoying task that needs to be checked off the to-do list. Set an example for your child and encourage them to set aside the necessary time for them to do their work.

Pinpoint the issue

Is your child dreading homework because they lack motivation or do they truly not understand their assignment? If you can identify what the problem is, it will help you figure out the best way to move forward.

If motivation is the issue

If you find that lack in motivation is the cause of dreaded schoolwork then there are a few ways to help encourage them to stay on top of it.

• Use the “when you” rule. “When you finish your homework, you can play that new video game.” Or, “When you complete your project, you can go over to your friend’s house.” This rule also helps them learn how to prioritize.

• Technology is great but it can also be one of the main reasons children, especially middleschoolers and up, are disconnected with their schoolwork. They want to watch TV, play video games, check in on social media, talk to friends, etc. Designating their study time to be focused primarily on school and not electronics may not only motivate them to complete their work, but also in a quicker manner.

If not understanding is the issue

If your child puts homework on the back burner because they may lack specific skills for that particular subject, there are different routes you can take to help them. At first, see if you can assist them in their homework. If you find that your child maybe needs more help and practice, try some of these tips:

• Find a tutor! Tutors are usually highly knowledgeable in a certain subject so they can be very beneficial for helping your child develop better learning skills in specific areas.

• Encourage them to play educational games and apps in that specific subject. Learning new skills while playing games? Most children will be excited about this! Educational games and apps will help them enhance their skills.

• Have them watch descriptive online “how to” videos to have someone explain things in a different way. Sometimes it helps to learn visually and hearing someone else’s perspective to better explain things.

At the end of the day, applaud the hard work your child puts in their schoolwork. When you notice their academic success due to their studious efforts, it will motivate them to work even harder on future assignments.