If your child is old enough to be given homework, you’ve likely experienced how stressful it is for them. Many parents want their children to get their homework done as soon as they get home so it doesn’t get forgotten. This usually comes from a place of love because we want our children to get good grades in school. But the constant focus on getting work done can be stressful and make it even harder for your child to succeed academically.
At No Limits Pediatric Therapies in Bentonville, AR, our mission is to help children achieve their developmental goals to improve their overall wellbeing. Today, we will explore strategies to de-stress your child’s homework time and make it a more enjoyable and productive experience.
How to Help Your Child Transition from the Classroom to the Home Environment
Children spend about eight hours a day sitting in classes at school, which can be physically and mentally exhausting. Often, if they don’t finish their work in class, it’s assigned as homework. This can feel like a punishment and add to the stress of completing homework. Creating a smooth transition from the classroom to the home environment is essential for reducing this stress and setting your child up for success.
Let Your Kids Reset with Activity Before Starting Homework
Many parents want their kids to finish their homework straight after school before they do anything fun. But think about how you feel after a long day at work—do you want to jump right into chores or other adult responsibilities? Probably not.
Allowing children to have some rest time is valuable because it can put them in a better headspace to finish their homework faster and with less stress. Giving your child even an hour to relax and do something fun after they get home from school can do wonders for their overall wellbeing and make homework less of a hassle.
Taking a Break Prepares a Child to Focus on Completing Homework Tasks
Giving kids a break before homework shouldn’t mean plopping in front of the TV to watch shows or play video games. Why? Because they just spent all day sitting in a classroom. Everyone, children and adults, need time to move their bodies around.
Some examples of good after school activities include taking a walk, getting a snack, spending time on a trampoline or swing, or engaging in any other physical activity your child enjoys. These activities allow kids to move their bodies and get their attention outward, which is great for their overall wellbeing and can make it easier for them to focus and complete their homework.
Provide Opportunities for Movement While Your Kid Does Their Homework
At school, kids are expected to sit still for extended periods, but at home, there’s no reason they can’t move around while doing their homework. Encourage your child to do their homework in a way that feels comfortable and enjoyable for them. This might mean standing at a counter, lying on their belly, working outside, or using a balance ball chair. Movement can help keep their minds engaged and reduce the monotony of sitting still.
Reach Out to No Limits for an Evaluation
If homework time is a constant struggle in your home, our experts at No Limits Pediatric Therapies may be able to help. Give us a call at (479) 250-9838 for a free 15-minute developmental consultation to see if your child can benefit from pediatric therapy to address attention, learning, focus, or other school-related skills. Together, we can make homework time less stressful and more productive for your family.
About Terrica
Terrica Weatherford, MSOT, founded No Limits Pediatric Therapies in 2016. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2012. For over 13 years, Terrica has been committed to helping neurodiverse children (and those who need extra support) reach their full potential. She founded her practice to ensure she could provide exceptional care for children and their families.
