School Success ~ How Parents Teach Self-Discipline with Homework
Posted: Saturday, April 02, 2011
by Jean Tracy
KidsDiscuss.com
Does teaching your child self-discipline give you a headache? Does your child argue, sass, or refuse to do his school work? Read on to find out how to teach self-discipline and build character through homework.
Your child may have a great body for a successful future but without a focused mind he’ll never go as far as he could. You can help him build his mind with homework.
Self-discipline takes your child from whimsical thinking to a focused mind. A whimsical mind is distracted, sometimes lazy, and often self-centered. A focused mind thinks clearly and gets homework done well.
Imagine your Leo arguing to get out of homework. “I don’t have to. My favorite program is starting.” You’ve heard that before. Every program is his favorite. So what do you do?
How to Schedule Homework Time
To determine a time for homework each day, include your child. It’s more likely he’ll cooperate because the time is his idea. Make sure it fits well with you. If not, ask him to pick a better time.
Homework time must be consistent. This is when he moves his whimsical thinking to focused thinking. This teaches self-discipline and self-discipline is necessary for character. Keep reading to find out how you can help.
4 Homework Needs that Parents Can Provide
1. A quiet place to study with good lighting
2. A regular time for homework
3. Basic supplies – paper, pencils, pens, markers, a ruler
4. Organization Aids – an assignment calendar, book bag (backpack), and folders.
3 Homework Problems Parents Must Prevent
1. Major distractions – a blaring TV, loud music, video games, phone interruptions, etc.
2. Giving in to his excuses for not doing his homework
3. Doing his homework for him
9 Helpful Questions Parents Can Ask about Homework
1. What is your assignment today?
2. Are you clear about what to do? If not, suggest he call the school’s homework hotline or a classmate.
3. When is your homework due?
4. Do you need special resources? For instance, does he need a trip to the library or to access a computer?
5. Do you need special supplies? (graph paper, poster boards, etc.)
6. Have you started today’s assignment? Finished it? Let me see.
7. Is it a long term project (a term paper or science project?)
8. For a major project, would it help to write out the steps to make a schedule?
9. Would a practice test be useful?
5 More Ways to Help Kids Build Character through Homework
1. Look over how your child did the homework, but don’t do the work!
2. If the homework is sloppy, have him do it over.
3. Contact the teacher if there’s a homework problem you can’t resolve.
4. Review teacher comments on homework that has been returned and discuss with your child.
5. Reward your child with your time for homework well done. Use non-material rewards like playing a game, sharing a cup of tea before bedtime, or watching a TV program together.
Conclusion for School Success through Homework:
No more headaches, arguments, or sass! Use homework to build self-discipline and character in your child. Schedule a time. Make sure it’s consistent. Avoid distractions. Be involved.
If you use homework wisely, you can raise your child to focus well. He’ll be self-disciplined and successful too.
Jean Tracy invites you to receive 80 fun non-material rewards to give your kids when you sign up for her Free Parenting Newsletter at: http://www.kidsdiscuss.com/contact.asp
Pick up a copy of Parents as Teachers – 137 Teaching Ideas from Birth to 9 Years and raise a successful child who loves learning all because you helped. http://www.kidsdiscuss.com/parent_resource_center.asp?pr_id=kdeb006
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Very nice and useful article for parents.
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