So, the kids are back at school and the homework has come flooding in.
But getting home, preparing dinner plus everything else you have to get through can make juggling the after-school routine challenging. Not to mention you need time to unwind too!
On top of that, you have to make sure the kids are actually doing their homework. How can you nip distractions in the bud when your kids are studying?
We’ve got 20 quick ways right here for you.
SETTLE INTO A STUDY TIME ROUTINE
Make homework a habit. Even on days where there is no homework set, replace it with something educational to help you stick to your homework routine. The longer you stick to the routine, the easier it is for kids to get into the habit of completing their homework.
Set up a study time area. Somewhere where there’s no TVs, phones and no other distractions. Just make sure it’s not the bedroom where you don’t know what they’re doing!
Or…take homework out of the home. Because the home is associated with relaxing, it can be difficult for some kids to concentrate at home. Instead, take them to the library or somewhere else to get their homework done.
Do a physical activity before homework. Physical activities help kids refocus their energy in other skill sets, which can refresh their minds before they settle down to do any more schoolwork.
Set a non-screen related activity when they get home from school. Some kids need time to unwind after school. Just make sure it’s not a screen activity they can get sucked into for hours on end.
SET STUDY TIME RULES
No “play” screen time until homework was finished. We know kids love their tech time! This is a good way to get them to put homework first. You might want to introduce an “approve and review” system if you think they’re going to rush it, though.
Phones sit in the family charging station during homework. The best way to cut out electronic distractions is to make sure they’re kept away during homework.
Make homework time quiet time. Have a no talking rule, giving your kids the ability to focus on the task at hand without any interruptions.
Block distracting websites & apps. Of course, not all screens can be locked away when it comes to homework. However, you can block websites and apps like social media with Habyts Study Time.
Create a to-do list. Some kids can be overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. Creating a to-do list that alternates subjects they like with ones they struggle with can help them get through their homework quicker.
RELATED: Need help setting up Study Time rules?
Habyts can help nip Study Time distractions in the bud!
Build in breaks. Sometimes our brains require a reset. Taking a 10-minute break can help kids refocus, as long as their breaks don’t involve a screen.
Make sure to include snacks & water. Healthy snacks and water can fuel the brain and improve concentration for all of us, not just kids!
Set deadlines. When kids know they only have one hour to complete their homework, they are less likely to procrastinate and get on with it.
Homework to be started before dinner time. Some kids respond better to knowing set times they are expected to start homework. You choose the time, they stick to it.
Create a homework plan that is easy to stick to. This is particularly useful for teens with lots of homework who may feel demotivated by the lack of progress they think they’re making.
MAKE HOMEWORK EASIER
Break down big projects into small steps. It can seem overwhelming to tackle a big project. Help your child break it down into little steps and they’ll see themselves complete it in no time.
Get a homework buddy. Sometimes study buddies can help each child focus, sometimes they can be a distraction…choose an academic-minded study buddy to succeed!
Hire a tutor. Whether you choose an older sibling or a college student, having that additional resource can help kids get through topics they struggle with.
Make it a family activity. Sometimes having the whole family focusing on doing some work can help kids focus on getting their work done too.
Have rewards ready! If your child completes their homework without any nagging or before their deadlines, you might want to reward them whether that’s a treat of their choice or extra screen time.
There you have it! 20 ways to stop study time distractions in their tracks!
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