Make homework fun for kids with these simple tips. Take breaks, bond, and have a yummy snack to keep this a positive time for kids.
Homework is a daunting word for both kids and parents alike. It often brings struggles, arguments, and can be a source of anxiety. But, homework can also be a time of bonding, and can be fun! Here are some simple tips for making this part of the day a great one.
Making Homework Fun
Homework doesn’t need to be isolating. It can become a welcomed part of a child’s routine and an opportunity for connecting. There are a few ways to do this, and it begins with the right mindset, along with a few other tips.
Start with the right mindset. If homework time feels daunting, try to first change your perspective. The feelings that you have toward homework will certainly carry over to your children. Then, implement a few of these tricks below!
Tips for Making Homework Time Awesome
Begin by designating a space in your home for homework. If you have a limited amount of space, this can be a bin with supplies that can be placed on the kitchen table. If you have the space for a desk in a common area, this works as well. Giving kids a space of their own for homework helps them take ownership of the task, and can help create a positive association with the task.
Have a snack. Having a snack during homework time can be a welcomed part of the routine. In our household, after coming home from school, we grab a snack and sit at the homework table. Kids have a long day at school, they have to have quite a large amount of self-control and emotional regulation to get through the day. This snack time while getting ready for homework is a really great way to sit together and decompress.
One of our favorite choices for an after-school snack is Disney Frozen® String Cheese and Disney Frozen Colby Jack Snack Cheese from ShopRite, available in the dairy section. (Bonus, you can earn cash back with this Ibotta offer). Protein and fruit is our go-to for a good pick me up that lasts until dinnertime!
The Disney Frozen String Cheese and Disney Frozen Colby Jack Snack Cheese are made with milk and are a good source of calcium and protein, making them a wholesome, responsible choice for kids. Plus, these fun characters are just what we need to get a conversation going and that all of my kids can enjoy.
Take breaks when needed. Try not to rush homework time, or make it a ‘no fun until it’s finished’ activity. Remember, kids have likely been sitting in a classroom all day, and they might need to take some breaks while working. Pay attention to cues such as fidgeting in their seat or laying their head down, or frustration with a task. Offer a little break.
We keep a little bin of sensory objects on our homework table. Included are stress balls, fidget spinners, dice, and other small toys. If I see my kids getting frustrated or needing a break, we take a minute to play with one of these toys, giving their mind and fingers a break, and also might snack a bit more on our Disney Frozen String Cheese!
Make it a bonding experience. Above I mentioned how important your mindset is about homework, and how this will carry over to your children. Homework can actually be a time of great bonding. I know after-school time can get busy. There are lunch boxes to put away and clean, laundry to get done so the kids have underwear to wear the next day, dance class or baseball practice to get to, dinner to be made…the list goes on. But, take a couple of minutes for bonding – yes, even over homework.
Sit with your child unplugged for a few minutes, and even if they don’t need help, remark about how much they’ve learned, what a nice job they are doing, or start a little chat. It can also be a great time for siblings to work alongside one another, making it a family affair.
Make homework in your household fun! Have a snack, bond with your kids, take some breaks and enjoy the process. Your kids might just start to enjoy and welcome homework time with you, and you never know, you just might start to like it too!
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