10 Tips to Make Homework Easier

Almost every family struggles with homework challenges at some point. Sometimes, parents end up as frustrated as their kids or teens, feeling like they constantly have to “nag” their student to get through even the simplest assignments. Here are 10 tips to help ensure the process is as smooth as possible:

1. Set up a regular study time. Every kid is different in terms of when they can work (i.e., they have soccer practice after school) and when they work best. Some kids and teens need to decompress after school and prefer to work after dinner. The important thing is to ensure they stick to the schedule and aren’t too tired by the time they’re ready to work.

2. Make homework time technology-free whenever possible. Although many schools now incorporate computers into learning, they may not be necessary for homework. You may also want to invest in a timer to avoid the “I need my phone for the timer” excuse.

3. Designate a homework area. This doesn’t necessarily need to be a desk in their room; it could be the dining room table or even a kitchen counter.

4. Keep the homework table or desk stocked with school supplies. Whatever space you designate, be sure to keep rulers, pens, pencils, calculators, etc. nearby to avoid interruptions if they need to search the house for essential supplies.

5. Ensure they’re well-rested. Kids and teens who don’t get enough sleep will likely have trouble concentrating on homework in the evenings.

6. Avoid working on an empty stomach. Make a healthy snack that combines low-fat protein and complex carbohydrates to help their brain work at its peak.

7. Keep them hydrated. Dehydration can cause issues with focus and memory. Choose water or other low-sugar drinks.

8. Help them make a plan. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially on nights where there’s a lot of homework to tackle. Help them create a plan of attack to feel as though things are within their control.

9. Use a calendar to highlight deadlines. Calendars can help kids plan and manage their time for upcoming homework assignments, tests, and projects.

10. Break bigger projects into smaller deadlines. Big projects can create an impending sense of despair. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks to help your student feel like the project is “in progress” at any point.

If your student continues to struggle in more than one class, they may have a learning disability. Contact your nearest LearningRx center to schedule a Brain Skills Assessment.