BRINGING UP A CHILD

As children enter primary level they start with their regular home work. That will be their first experience to take homework. Some teachers assign work every night and some give homework every Monday to be completed by Friday. Many children resist doing their homework causing family struggles and frustration.

Parents want their children to be responsible and do their homework on time. They do not like resorting to arguments, bribes and threats.

There are many reasons why children struggle with homework. The assignment may be confusing when the child doesn't make note of the homework in the school diary or in a special note book "Did the teacher say finish page 37 or 39"? "I don't remember the homework given".

A child who feels difficulty in school or who lacks the skills to complete his home work may become angry and refuse to do it or may say. "I hate homework". "I don't have any homework". Many kids are bored with their assignments and are therefore reluctant to do them. Even to parents assignments seem time - consuming and pointless.

Some children have problems with homework because of their various after school activities such as dance classes, music classes etc. with limited time to eat their dinner, be with family and friends, and relax, a child may put off its homework. The child may be too tired after playing in the evening or too distracted by watching Television, so may be reluctant to do its homework.

To help your children become more responsible about homework, make them write down the assignment in a special note book or school diary, when he/she comes home from school. Find out what his/her homework instructions are. That way you will know what he/she is doing at school and when he/she has extensive assignments. This will help you avoid late nights or early morning surprises "I just remembered my project work or scrap book activity is due to-morrow". You can also avoid going to the shop at 9 at night for buying supplies for your son's/ daughter's school project or assignments.

Sit with your child when he/she does his/ her home work. Since mothers have to spend more time in the kitchen, have his/ her work at the table while you prepare food or, are with other work, Offer your help. Children often take their anger out on parents since they cannot shout or yell at the teacher. Your child resists your suggestions." That's not the way my teacher taught me to do it". "I know the answer, I don't need to go over it again".

Be gentle when pointing out mistakes, and if necessary set limits on your child's way of expressing himself/ herself. If he/she is bogged down with repetitive work, you know he/ she understands, its all right to help him/ her out with answers once in a while.

If he has trouble with a particular subject, consider offering more intensive help yourself or hire a tutor. If your child consistently struggles to complete the assignment, speak to the teacher. The work may be inappropriate or difficult. You should work with the teacher to improve your child's academic experiences, including homework.

Your child will probably continue to need reminders about its homework . At times you have to be firm. "You have to start your homework right now".

By third or the fourth class, although he'll/she'll still need some help, he/she will be more responsible about getting his/her homework done independently.