Let Your Child Do His Homework On His Own

Parents often think that it is important to complete homework in order to get good academic results or to prevent the child from falling behind his work schedule or for immediate reasons - to safeguard him from the scoldings of the teacher. But we have to understand that the underlying principle behind homework is much beyond that. Let's see how - • The first lesson of self reliance comes through homework. When the child does homework on his own, it creates a sense of independence in him. Therefore, be there to help your child only when he has questions or finds it difficult to solve a problem on his own. Be supportive but not interfering. • Learning improves when the child does homework on his own. When a child listens to his teacher in the class, he cannot retain all that is taught. Homework is an effective tool to help the child recall and retain whatever is taught. When a child does an exercise on his own, he applies logic and uses his reasoning ability and thus never forgets it. This helps to develop an analytical mind. • Homework is a way to help the child learn to manage his time. Inculcate in your child self-management and time management skills by helping him schedule his homework. Giving him leeway in setting his routine will ensure that he manages to take out time for T.V., for play as well as his homework. • Appreciation and rewards for completing homework makes the child enjoy his work. It gives the child a sense of achievement and homework instead of becoming a burden feels like an enjoyable activity. Time to time praise by parents and the teachers encourages the child to do his homework more efficiently, thus instilling in him the desire to learn. •Freedom to child to handle the responsibility of homework demands patience from parents. Parents should not become tense or paranoid if the child gets a little less marks or takes a little more time to complete his work. Give space and time to your child to get into the mindset and learn to do things on his own. Don't expect instant results.
by: Sudha Gupta