Having trouble getting your young children to do their homework? It's a thorny issue that comes up more often than you might think. That's why we want to give you some tips on how to encourage your teen to do their home work.
Children, during adolescence, are in the midst of a growth bubble. Moving from childhood to adulthood, they begin to change their interests and motivations. Therefore, we must consider this phase in which they often feel confused, rebellious and worried, as if they feel that no one understands them.
If up to this point we have done an optimal job so that the child knows that he/she has rights, but also obligations, it will be easier. If this has not been the case, there will be more bumps in the road, but it is also possible to get them to do their homework.
In this phase, the child begins to feel adult, so he avoids parental control and looks for other things to motivate him. This motivation rarely comes from studies.
A teenager no longer wants to be a child, so he/she needs to be autonomous and feel self-sufficient, but also responsible and able to understand what his/her obligations are at this stage of his/her life.
Learn how to encourage your teenager to do his or her homework.
Be that as it may, if he goes into a rebellious phase, he may not do his homework, and he may not want to be constantly supervised. This reminds us that there are things we should not do.
Never do homework for him
We should not do any homework that is theirs. Don't finish the exercise, don't do the diagrams, don't pass the work to the computer. If we give him this message, we are showing him that it is something common and normal, and he will learn that this may always be the case, so he could get used to it and turn it into a routine.
Don't be their teacher
You are his parent, not his teacher. So, you don't have to teach him, just supervise him and give him a hand whenever he needs it. Remember your role in this, as it is important.
How can you lend a hand? Avoid imposing your criteria and don't try to make the young person do what you say or want. It is better to make decisions realistically, setting priorities and reaching mutual agreements. So, for example, you can agree on a schedule that suits you so that you can be of help.
Create a habit
If you agree on a habit, it will be easier for the child to do his homework every day. However, since it's a mutual agreement, it's important that he sticks to it. Don't let him lock himself in his room during homework time. Agree to keep the door open, and you can lend a hand and supervise him. You may have to give him something in return, such as time off with his friends. If he's doing well in class, he's more than earned it.
Don't force or limit him/her too much.
It is not convenient to force him, because then we would be telling him that he does not like it under any circumstances, but that he has to do it. But it is good to try to motivate him, explain to him the importance of work, of homework, of his professional future?
We can also give him a couple of hours to do his homework. If he wants to do them during that time, fine, if not, at the very least, let him see you act firmly, without giving in, fulfilling the agreements you have previously made, and showing that not complying has negative consequences for him.
At the end of that time, let him allow you to check that he has made progress, that he has done the work assigned to him, and that he has studied as you have agreed. From then on, stop limiting him and give him free time to do what he wants. This is a good way to motivate.
It is important to encourage the adolescent to do his or her homework. Creating the habit of studying is key. So, if you want more ideas and advice, contact our experts at Logos International School.