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Make homework less painful

Is ‘homework’ a dreaded word in your house? We asked parents, teachers and children for tips on making this necessary part of life more bearable.

Lots of parents secretly admit to having the same feelings of dread and resistance towards their children’s homework as their kids do. There are so many distractions – computer games, Facebook, texting friends, round-the-clock TV, ANYTHING other than homework. So what savvy tactics can we find to combat resistance – our own as well as our kids’?

Tips for taking the hard work out of homework

Great homework websites
www.skylearning.co.uk Helps GCSE and A Level students find Sky TV programmes relevant to their subjects.
www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc Click on ‘Bitesize’ (bottom left hand corner of homepage) for homework help.
www.homeworkelephant.co.uk for tons of homework help.

A teacher’s homework tip
Some children do the bare minimum they can get away with. Others overdo it and spend all evening. Know your child and help then find a balance. If they have several subjects in one evening, spend 20 minutes on each. Teachers like to see SOME work even if it’s not finished.


A magic word to end teenage arguments.

It’s natural for teenagers to rebel against authority and challenge the status quo. But they still need to know who’s in charge. Here’s a simple but effective way to diffuse those arguments.

Arguing with your child undermines your authority, diminishes respect and leaves you feeling powerless. Even if you ‘win’ the argument, the fact that you needed to argue with your child takes away from your position as the parent (the one in charge). There’s a simple way to maintain control even when your child is arguing – by using the word: ‘AND’.

Here’s how: When your child’s arguing, let him state his case without interrupting – even if this means waiting while he vents. When he’s finished, answer in a 3-part sentence:

Part 1: Paraphrase what your child said (to prove you were listening).
Part 2: Be sure to use the word 'AND' (‘And’ not ‘But' because ‘But’ implies conflict).
Part 3: State clearly what you want your child to do and insist that he does.
For example:
Child: “It’s not fair – you let Tess stay up until 10 but she’s only a bit older than me.”
Parent: “Tom, I know you think I’m being unfair letting your sister stay up later than you. And I must insist that you go bed by 9. End of discussion.”

This technique might seem strange, even ruthless at first. But it leaves you feeling empowered rather than undermined. Try it - and tell us how you get on.