8 crisp homework tips for parents
1. remind your child to do their homework only once.
Just once! Some parents are in their children's ears every 20 minutes with homework: «What do you have to do for school today? When are you going to do it? Shouldn't you get started?» That's annoying. A clear agreement such as «Homework is done before dinner» and a one-off reminder «Now is the last moment to start» at 5.30 p.m. is all that's needed and brings relaxation.
2. leave the responsibility with the child
The child does the homework for school or - you can dream - for themselves. Letting the child go to school with unfinished homework is often more beneficial than constant arguments. If you are worried that the child will copy the homework in the morning, you can leave a note for the teacher in the homework booklet.
If there is an entry in the report card for the work mark: Use this for a serious discussion - and don't immediately worry that your child won't be able to find a job later because of this entry in the 4th grade.
3. only help if your help is accepted
Discussing homework is useless! Instead, follow the rule: «I'll only help you if you accept my help.» If the child starts nagging, say: «Now it's getting unproductive. I'm going to do the dishes. Call me if you want to keep working» and leave. You wouldn't believe how many children will take a step towards homework if you leave enough space for it.
4. let the child work next to you
Many children could work independently, but enjoy their parents' time and attention. The solution: Let your child work next to you on the condition that they do not constantly interrupt you. Work on something important and say to your child: «If you let me work in peace for 15 minutes, you can do your homework next to me.»
5. encourage your child to be more independent
Plan the homework with your child. Ask them what they find easiest and what they find most difficult. Encourage them to complete the easier tasks without your help. Show your pleasure in their independence by saying something like: «It's great that you've done this independently - I've made good progress and now have time for you.»
6. create a homework plan with the child
Creating a weekly plan is extremely challenging for a child. They have to ask themselves questions such as:
- What tasks do I have to complete?
- How much time do I need for this?
- What materials do I need for the individual tasks?
- What has to be done by when?
- When do I have time to take care of the tasks on the respective days?
Children are not born with these questions in their heads. They need parents and teachers to help them conduct this inner dialogue. Place the questions on the table in front of the child and go through them with them.
7. make sure you take regular breaks
Children cannot concentrate for as long as adults. The following times serve as guidelines:
- Age 5 to 7: 15 min concentration
- Age 7 to 10: 20 min concentration
- Age 10 to 12: 25 min concentration
- Age 12 to 15: 30 min concentration
Afterwards, a short break makes sense: 5 minutes is enough - preferably with something that relaxes the child but doesn't draw them into another activity: a few minutes jumping on the trampoline, drinking a glass of water, eating a biscuit, looking out of the window.
8. make the plan motivating
When planning, make sure that the work units become shorter towards the end. This allows the child to progress through the plan faster and faster. If you also tick the breaks in the plan, the child will also be motivated to interrupt the breaks again as they can tick off another point.
Read more:
Not all teachers think homework makes sense. Lisa Lehner, headteacher and vice president of the Swiss-German Headteachers' Association, would prefer to abolish it. Read why here.
