How to motivate your child to do their homework

The thought of having to pick up extra work after you finish school is enough to put a lot of people off, but for children it will be a regular thing for them to receive homework. It can be hard work for them to handle – going through complicated sums, reading a book they find boring or finishing off a worksheet to hand in to the teacher the next day are not everyone’s ideas of fun.

But homework does have enormous benefits, and as parents it is our responsibility to show that to our children; while also keeping them motivated enough to do it everyday without whining and fussing. This prep school in Surrey has shared some useful tips to motivate your child to do their homework without looking at it like a chore.

Show them the benefits of doing their homework

There are a lot of unpleasant parts about doing extra studies outside of school time, but there are reasons why your child’s teacher has given them this extra work. Make your child understand the benefits of homework – that it helps them practice and thus better remember what they have learnt in school; it teaches them how to manage their time effectively; and also helps them become more disciplined.

Sit with them and provide support

Children might be more inclined to do their homework if someone else is helping them with it. The reason they could be reluctant to do it is because they might be struggling with the work they’ve been given and need a helping hand. It’s also a good way of improving the bond between you and your child as they work.

Break the homework down into chunks

If a homework assignment is not due until the following week, you have the chance to break down the work they need to do. This will give your child a break from having to do a bunch of work all at once, which can be stressful and overwhelming for them. You could also set a timer to see how much your child can get done in 15 minute sections; this way they have a chance to have a break before moving on to the next question.