Article # 1

based on the interview with Barbara-Lynn Taylor, M.Ed. on “Raising Your Kids”

Aired on WXII-12

Wednesday, February 11, 2004

IS HOMEWORK A PROBLEM IN YOUR HOME?

from “Taming the Homework Monster”, Part Five of the video-based parenting program, Successful Parenting

Completing and turning in homework every day is important for several reasons:
1. To review the day’s lessons and reinforce facts which lead to better grades and to identify areas for reteaching and relearning.
2. To build confidence in the student which leads to greater achievement.
3. *Mostly to develop self-discipline, organizational skills, and the habit of learning outside of class, which can lead to more success in school and in life.

It is up to parents to be sure they have conveyed the idea to their children that school and homework are important. They shouldn’t make comments like, “That teacher is so bad.” or “I can’t believe you have to do that stupid homework assignment,” and so forth. Yes, parents really do say things like that. Parents need to work to establish a partnership with the teachers, other support staff, and the students. School success truly does take teamwork.

Then parents should guide, structure, and encourage, but not do the homework for their children, even when their children try to lure them into doing it. That applies to regular daily assignments, late night panics, book reports, and especially those dreaded science projects!

Many parents may find themselves saying or even yelling, “Do you have any homework tonight?”, “Where are the books and notebooks you need?”, “Why are you always forgetting to bring things home?”, “Why won’t you let me help you?”, “Don’t you even care about doing well in school?”, “You’ll never graduate!”, or “You’ll never get into a good college at this rate!”

And the children are getting angry and defensive and responding with, “Leave me alone!”, “I did it all at school”, “It’s none of your business!”, “I’m doing just fine!’, and “Just go away!” These arguments strain relationships between parents and children and add tension to our already-stressed lives. Plus, the homework itself often doesn’t get
done.

When children are out of school because of snow and ice or school vacations, it does cause logistical problems for parents, but one problem we parents don’t have to deal with is homework. And it is wonderful because we can enjoy our children without arguing about homework. Wouldn’t it be great if it could be that way all the time?

By Barbara-Lynn Taylor, M.Ed

NOTE: Barbara-Lynn will be joining Chris and Kimberly every Wednesday morning at 6:30 on WXII-12 for “Raising Your Kids”. Next week we’ll begin to give specific ideas on what to do if homework is a problem at your house.

If you have comments, questions, or would like to share your best parenting practices with reference to homework, please e-mail Barbara-Lynn at blt@successfulparenting.