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7 Secrets for Motivating

Your Kids to Do Their

Homework

by Maria Gracia Updated October 1, 2023 Join our newsletter to be notified when new content is added to our website. It's that time of the year again when kids are gearing up for a new school adventure, and with school comes homework – something most kids aren't exactly thrilled about. But fear not! I've got your back with seven secrets to motivate your children and make homework time a breeze. 1. Create a Homework Zone: Pick a spot in your home where your kids can study without distractions. Deck it out with all the essentials – pens, papers, crayons, markers, and more. You could even add a computer if they need one. A dedicated, tidy, and organized study space is essential – it sets the stage for serious study time! 2. Crush Goals Together: Introduce your little ones to the magic of goal- setting. Break down their homework into manageable chunks and celebrate every achievement with a high-five or a happy dance. Show them that every step counts, and they're absolutely rocking it! 3. Stick to a Homework Routine: While routines might sound boring, they work wonders when it comes to homework. Set up a regular homework time that fits their schedule and keeps them fresh and energized. You could allow them to unwind and have a snack before diving into their assignments, especially if they've had a busy day. When my daughter was younger, I wouldn't force her to do her homework the moment she stepped in the door from school. I gave her time to sit down and relax, have a healthy snack, and tell me about her day. Then she would begin. Sometimes, there was a lot of homework, so she'd do half, take a short break, and then continue. These days, kids are often involved in sports right after school. In this case, your child's homework time may be after dinner. Try to have dinner ready as early as possible (the slow cooker and/or air fryer helps with this goal), so they have plenty of time to get their homework done after their meal. 4. Plan Light, Nutritious Dinners: Ensure your kids have enough energy for their homework by serving light, nutritious dinners on school nights. Avoid heavy carb-loaded meals or sugary desserts that might leave them feeling too tired to concentrate. Include plenty of veggies and offer fruit for dessert – a healthy brain needs healthy food! 5. Let's Talk Incentives: Who doesn't love rewards, right? Offer small incentives for completing homework on time or acing tests. It could be something simple like letting them choose what's for dinner or taking a trip to the library for some fun books. Even something as simple as stickers can make a positive difference for young kids…or maybe a small monetary bonus allowance for older kids! 6. Give Them the Power: Empower your kids by involving them in decision- making when it comes to homework. Let them choose which assignment they want to tackle first or ask if they have any fun study tricks up their sleeves. Giving them some control will boost their motivation. 7. Be Their Study Buddy: Show genuine interest in their homework and be there to lend a helping hand when they need it. But remember, we want them to grow and learn independently, so allow them to figure things out on their own too. Shower them with praise and encouragement – they're doing an amazing job! With these secrets, coupled with your encouragement and guidance, your kids will tackle homework easily and their academic journey will be off to a fantastic start! Back to Organized Kids Index