Homework: Supporting Your Kid and Keeping Your Sanity
Ahh, homework. Middle school brings many changes, but a significant form of stress is the uptick in homework. As a teacher, I'm not going to lie: it's a slippery slope. On the one hand, there's a lot to pack during a school year, and national standards are increasing. On the other hand, kids need time and space after school to decompress (especially if they have high-intensity activities). It's a balancing act for everyone.
While homework changes can be challenging for kids, they can also be difficult for parents. But fear not; these strategies are designed to help you and your child navigate this new terrain. After-school time management involves executive functioning, schedules, and a lot of patience. Not sure where to begin? Try these action items and see the difference they can make.
1) Give your kid a break after school. Your child needs time to decompress after school unless they run off to an activity. This break is not just about relaxation; it's also about recharging their mental energy. The break can include them sliding down on the couch like a blob, eating a snack in silence while ignoring you (or talking your ear off), shooting hoops to release stored energy, etc. Give them 45 minutes to an hour, when possible, to do what they need to unwind.
2) Set up a space for success. While kids would love nothing more than to complete their homework with YouTube on the TV and a cell phone in their hands, that's not a study environment where students thrive. Students should have a dedicated study space away from distractions where they can focus on their work. Desks in their room are great if they are clear of distractions. If this is where your child has a gaming center that rivals the NASA control center, they're going to need a different space.
In addition, I recommend having a basket of school supplies at their study center so they're not wandering around looking for a pen. This basket should ideally include pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, a calculator, and any other supplies your child might need for their homework. Ideally, the supplies will stay in their basket, but if they don't have extras to throw in there when they inevitably wander off.
Finally, take any cellphones, watches, or homing pigeons they can use to communicate with their friends. While friends are great, homework time is not the time for socializing. Minimizing distractions during this time can help your child focus and complete their work more efficiently.
3) Create an After-School Schedule. After school is a hectic time, but a well-planned schedule can bring order to the chaos. If you have multiple kids, they probably need to be at opposite places simultaneously, and even if you only have to schlep one, it's probably as close as Mars. Changing daily schedules can rile the most organized adults, so it makes sense this can cause anxiety in kids. Creating a weekly schedule with homework time built in supports families to know when to get things done and enjoy their time together (or maybe, if your kid wants to ignore you, alone!).
I’m excited to share some helpful resources for your family! I've included a blank template and an example template, which I modified from the fantastic designs by Canva (big thanks to them!). I recommend using half-hour blocks to create a structured time for activities, including homework. It’s especially beneficial for middle school students to take 5-minute breaks every 20 minutes. During these breaks, they can stretch, walk around, or play with their pet—make sure they stay off their phones! These little pauses are great for recharging their brains and boosting focus.
And here we go with the first act of “Homework Help: The Musical!” (Okay, maybe there isn’t a real musical, but who knows? ) I’m here to support you, so what’s been driving you crazy about homework? Let’s tackle it together!
