Help Your Child Learn to Focus
I remember my first homework assignment.
I don't think it was much, maybe some small math problems, but I know I couldn't wait to get home to do it.
I sure wish this enthusiasm had followed me through High School.
and Collage.
Homework was constantly a struggle for me because I always had trouble concentrating.
I found the people walking down the hallway far more interesting than my teacher.
It wasn't my teacher's fault it was mine.
I always scored high on school testing so I knew my struggle was not a learning disability, it was simply a lack of focus I struggled with then and still struggle with today.
Teach your school age children how to focus on there studies and to save the daydreaming for a better time.
Make Homework Rules Set a time Pick a specific time of day for homework and stick to a routine.
The time you choose will depend on your child's temperament.
If you have more than one child they should be doing their homework at the same time.
If one child doesn't have homework keep them busy doing something quiet and out of the way.
Some kids do well with doing homework as soon as they get home from school.
They get it out of the way and have the rest of the night to do whatever they want.
On the other hand some kids need a break once they get home and may do better having homework time right after dinner is over.
This timing runs the risk of pushing back bedtime a bit though.
What ever the choice stick to the Homework Rule Set a Place Create a setting in your home for homework.
This setting should have a desk that fits the child, with all needed supplies and be in a quiet, out-of-the-way location.
The less traffic and noise they child hears the more work they will get done.
If you have more than one child try to see if they can use the same workspace.
If they can't you may have to set up a time schedule.
Eliminate Distractions Make it a rule that there is absolutely no television viewing during homework time.
Television is one of the biggest distractions kids have when trying to concentrate.
Radios may be OK but this depends on your child.
If you do allow the radio make sure it is set at a low volume and if it becomes a distraction remove it.
No Phone Call Rule Once you have established a time for homework each day let your children know they cannot accept phone calls from their friends during this time.
Phone calls will interrupt their thought processes and they could end up being on the phone for a long time.
Tell them no phone calls while doing homework but they are free to call friends when they are finished.
* The only exception might be to call a friend with a homework related question.
If they ask to do this let them know you will be listening and the call must be limited to five minutes.
It may take a bit of work on your part but if you start early you can help your child establish great study habits that will follow them throughout their education.
Set your children up to succeed and if all else fails, don't be afraid to find help where it is available.
Your child will thank you in the end.
* You may want to consider that focus may not be the problem with your child.
Some children have learning disabilities that disrupt learning no matter how hard they concentrate.
Consider that your child may simply have too much homework.
*I know some children have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
There are some who will slap this label on any child who has trouble concentrating and that is a bit unfair.
Don't be bullied into believing your child has this until your doctor has properly diagnosed
I don't think it was much, maybe some small math problems, but I know I couldn't wait to get home to do it.
I sure wish this enthusiasm had followed me through High School.
and Collage.
Homework was constantly a struggle for me because I always had trouble concentrating.
I found the people walking down the hallway far more interesting than my teacher.
It wasn't my teacher's fault it was mine.
I always scored high on school testing so I knew my struggle was not a learning disability, it was simply a lack of focus I struggled with then and still struggle with today.
Teach your school age children how to focus on there studies and to save the daydreaming for a better time.
Make Homework Rules Set a time Pick a specific time of day for homework and stick to a routine.
The time you choose will depend on your child's temperament.
If you have more than one child they should be doing their homework at the same time.
If one child doesn't have homework keep them busy doing something quiet and out of the way.
Some kids do well with doing homework as soon as they get home from school.
They get it out of the way and have the rest of the night to do whatever they want.
On the other hand some kids need a break once they get home and may do better having homework time right after dinner is over.
This timing runs the risk of pushing back bedtime a bit though.
What ever the choice stick to the Homework Rule Set a Place Create a setting in your home for homework.
This setting should have a desk that fits the child, with all needed supplies and be in a quiet, out-of-the-way location.
The less traffic and noise they child hears the more work they will get done.
If you have more than one child try to see if they can use the same workspace.
If they can't you may have to set up a time schedule.
Eliminate Distractions Make it a rule that there is absolutely no television viewing during homework time.
Television is one of the biggest distractions kids have when trying to concentrate.
Radios may be OK but this depends on your child.
If you do allow the radio make sure it is set at a low volume and if it becomes a distraction remove it.
No Phone Call Rule Once you have established a time for homework each day let your children know they cannot accept phone calls from their friends during this time.
Phone calls will interrupt their thought processes and they could end up being on the phone for a long time.
Tell them no phone calls while doing homework but they are free to call friends when they are finished.
* The only exception might be to call a friend with a homework related question.
If they ask to do this let them know you will be listening and the call must be limited to five minutes.
It may take a bit of work on your part but if you start early you can help your child establish great study habits that will follow them throughout their education.
Set your children up to succeed and if all else fails, don't be afraid to find help where it is available.
Your child will thank you in the end.
* You may want to consider that focus may not be the problem with your child.
Some children have learning disabilities that disrupt learning no matter how hard they concentrate.
Consider that your child may simply have too much homework.
*I know some children have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
There are some who will slap this label on any child who has trouble concentrating and that is a bit unfair.
Don't be bullied into believing your child has this until your doctor has properly diagnosed
