Homework Woes

QUESTION: I know you get this question a lot, but we really have a hard time getting our fourth grader to do his homework. He’ll put it off as long as possible and it’s a real strain to get him to sit his body down and do it. I have to start yelling before he will stroll over to start it. I’m tired of it. Please help.

ANSWERS: My son used to come in the door after school and get a snack and start his homework. Now that it's become a little harder, he definitely needs to unwind first. I noticed on the days that I gave him a little more time, he handled the situation better. I made it a household rule that he could start it an hour after getting home and so far it's working out. - Mary H. in Fort Wayne, IN

FROM JODIE:
Different kids require different methods to help motivate them to do their homework. Some have no problems starting on it straight away while others need a break in between. It does help if they have a special area to go to. For example, set up an area with a chair and a table where the lighting is good. It works best if it’s not necessarily near a window. If there is a window, be sure that it has shades or something to close so that his attention can stay on what he's doing without being distracted by things outside. Make sure he knows that you’re close by in case he has a question or needs help with anything. However, he needs to know that it’s his responsibility to not only do the homework himself but also to check it himself. When he does it doesn’t matter as long as it’s not when he’s too tired, like right after sports practice, for example. Try to be around, if possible, to be sure that he doesn’t use his cell phone for answers, if he has one. If you see a lot of struggling, he may need help with that specific topic and you may need to speak to his teacher and even consider a tutor.