How To Encourage Independent Homework & Study Habits

How To Encourage Independent Homework & Study Habits

Let's face it, the more independence you can foster in your kiddos today, the fewer headaches you'll have tomorrow. So, instead of waging war over schoolwork, here are a few ways to encourage and reward your kids' self-management skills.

Embrace Natural Consequences

If students don't turn in their work, they won't do well in class. It's a simple cause and effect. Yes, some kids struggle with comprehension, testing, and teaching styles, but if you communicate regularly with teachers, you'll know the difference between genuine challenges and failure to try.

This approach also means giving your kids space to fail. Explain that if they forget about an assignment, making it up might be easy. If they miss a major project, the stakes get higher.

And if grades slip because work isn't turned in, unpleasant things can happen: extracurriculars get put on hold, maybe privileges take a hit. On the flip side, when they maintain their grades, they build trust within the family and themselves.

Let Deadlines Speak for Themselves
Providing constant reminders (a/k/a nagging) exhausts everyone. Instead, let the due date lead the way. If kids wait until the last minute to complete assignments or study for tests, they might feel more anxious or miss out on activities because the work takes longer. Then again, they might thrive in those final hours (it's been known to happen). Either way, let yourself off the hook for whatever happens. Their work. Their responsibility.

Provide Help Only When Asked
The only habit more tiring than nagging is hovering. If your guidance is needed before or during the process, make sure your kiddos feel comfortable asking. Otherwise, hang out. Read a book. Go for a walk. Dive headfirst into any activity that keeps you out of their workspace.

Teach Organizational Skills
Before kids feel comfortable designing their homework/study schedules, they may need help with time management. Here are a few tips to consider:

• Work on estimating time - How long might a math assignment take? Or a science project? Show them how to map out the best course of action based on evening activities and family obligations (hint: having a family calendar helps).
• Teach them to remind themselves - Maybe they put the due date on the refrigerator door or set a reminder on their phone. Whatever they decide, make sure it doesn't involve you.
• Try charts - Sometimes it helps to have a visual aid for each type of assignment. A chart that breaks down the time/steps for studying for a test or completing a complex project can help kids create a practical timeline.

Now, if you find you are needed a little more space for extra studying, relaxing, or if you are working from home and feel you need an independent office - feel free to reach out and we can help you Upsize into a new home! 

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