Ahh, homework
Homework is probably everyone’s most dreaded task each night. But it, too, can be made fun for the family.
No kid likes sitting alone at the kitchen table doing homework while everyone else is off doing something else. And while it is hard to take an hour out of our evenings while we’re trying to make dinner and everything else to get ourselves ready for the next day, sitting with your child makes all the difference.
After all, you know once you get involved in a task, they’re going to be shouting “Mooooommmm!” every five minutes anyway!
If you have the space, create a cozy homework spot somewhere in the house. A corner of your home office or even the living room is a lot more fun than sitting at a table alone and also designates a spot that is not used for anything else.
Buy some beanbag chairs and those inexpensive lap-desks that many retailers are selling right now, or a child-sized desk with a comfy chair and a fun lamp so the kids have a cozy spot to work.
Place a basket of picture books in the homework area so preschoolers can read or have quiet time while their siblings work. And, Mom, put a cozy chair nearby, grab a book and a cup of coffee (or….a glass of wine) and keep them company while being available to help when needed.
Get creative in making homework a game. Small candies or raisins can be used to help with counting, you can set a timer to go through flashcards and then give the kids a small prize if they beat their time…there are so many ways to break through the boredom of studying.
Have a designated time for homework – it is always best to get it out of the way so everyone can relax for the evening. And keep a basket of extra school supplies handy to refill backpacks each night so the kids are fully prepared for the next day.
Homework time will go much faster and be far less frustrating when the whole family sits together to support each other and get it done!
No matter how organized you are, obviously, things are not always going to go smoothly. Things will be forgotten or lost, you’ll run out of juice boxes for lunch, or those shoes will inevitably disappear in the morning.
But by having a system in place and creating a weekly routine that the whole family does their best to follow, we promise, it will be at least a little bit easier!
Homeschool moms – these ideas are also perfect ways to keep your homeschool running smoothly and on schedule. While you may not be as pressed for time as a public school parent, it is always wise to keep the kids on a routine and carve out specific times for school.
Do you have creative, fun ideas to stay sane during the school year that your kids help with? Leave us your ideas!