Homework Blues

One of our favorite apps - Time Timer

The back-to-school transition presents a new struggle - the homework blues! Does your child hate homework? Most of them do, so don't be surprised when they put up a fight. While we can't guarantee that we can make your child love homework, we have some tips for creating a homework space that will help your child make their after-school learning easier.

(1) Physical Space

Your child needs a consistent, physical space to do homework. Until your child can work productively and independently, you should put the homework space somewhere you can see. The kitchen table is perfect in a child's younger years. Make sure the physical space is clear, having only the child's workbooks on the table - and no screens in sight, unless they directly relate to the homework. If you have more than one child doing homework, set them up for success by putting one at the table, one at the counter etc. If they are too close together, they will probably get off-task pretty quickly. 

(2) Sensory Space

Is the clothes dryer running? Is the dishwasher making sounds? Is the dog roaming around the room? Is there a ticking clock? Did someone leave their stinky shoes too close to the homework space? All of this sensory input will take away from a sensory-sensitive child's productivity, and can be avoided at homework time. 

(3) Staying Seated

Make sure your child has everything they need to stay seated for the duration of their homework session. Look through the homework, and have your child identify every item they will need. Collect the calculator, the ruler, the text book all before they begin. Have them eat, drink and use the bathroom before homework time. The exception to this "rule" is that most kids will need the occasional "body break." Every ten minutes or so, allow them to get up and do a controlled activity like 10 Jumping Jacks, or 20 Cross Crawls. These activities will keep their bodies and brains active, while redirecting them back on task. 

(4) Independence

At every stage, and every age, we encourage parents to give the onus of homework to the child. By all means, sit with your child and help them to understand what is being asked of them - but do your best not to spoon-feed your child the answers. While they will turn in a perfect homework page, their teacher will notice the gap between what they do at school and at home. Use every homework opportunity to teach your child how to problem-solve. Think of this as a life-skill, instead of a solely academic task. 

(5) Productivity

As pictured at the top of the page, the Time Timer app can really help kids stay on task with their homework. The red portion reduces, as time passes. This way, young children get a sweeping sense of time passing, while older children have a visual way to see how long they have to complete a task. We know plenty of adults who use this app to stay on task for set periods of time. 

We love helping parents connect, and share experiences - so if you have any other homework space tips, feel free to add them in the comments section. 

MOVE WITH ME - Interview with Leah Kalish & Vanessa Kahlon

Back to School

It's that time of year again! In a few short weeks our kids will be back at school - and with school comes transition, early mornings and new routines. If you're feeling a little stressed out by that thought, we have some ideas to keep you sane in the meantime. 

(1) Look after yourself

You are not doing yourself any favors by neglecting your self care. As parents, you need to make sure that you are sleeping as well as possible, eating right, taking a break (when you can) and pursuing some interests outside of caring for your children. Learn to spend at least 10 minutes a day doing something you like, and getting to know yourself better. 

(2) Look after your relationship

Cultivate your romantic life! Remember why you got together with your significant other, and spend some time falling in love all over again. With that love, you will parent your children in a more powerful way. Be a strong team!

(3) Involve your kids in the preparations

If you are covering school books, writing names on materials, sticking name tags on lunch boxes - involve your kids! This is all part of the back-to-school process. You will help create a smooth transition by talking about new schedules, and driving by the school. Give them all the information they need ahead of time, and monitor any anxieties that may be coming up. Now you have time to work through them. 

(4) Start waking your kids up earlier and going to bed on time

Circadian rhythms help the body to know when to eat, sleep and wake up. Give your kids a head start by getting their bodies into the school routine by waking them up at their school day time, giving them meals at the times they would eat during the school year and having them go to bed early. This is going to be unpopular with older kids, but at least 3 days of this routine will benefit them tremendously when school goes back.