IS THERE A PROBLEM?
The first thing you need to determine is whether there is a problem.
If you and your child are tearing your hair out, yelling and screaming at each
other over homework issues then it is an easy diagnosis.
There is a difference between occasional problems and
regular problems. We all have an off day now and then. Gentle reminders and prompts to do homework
are also normal for most families.
However, if the homework issue is pervasive, with regular
excuses for homework not done and constant battles to get your child to
complete homework then there obviously is a problem.
While this analysis might seem somewhat simplistic, there
sometimes is a thin line between determining whether you and your child have a
homework problem or not. In some instances it may be a demanding parent
expecting perfection.
If there is even the slightest doubt in your mind, call your
child’s teacher and get another perspective. If the teacher is noticing similar
behaviours in class then that will help you to make a sound analysis.
If you have gotten this far and determined that there really
is no problem, then your worries are over.
If, however, you know you and your child have a homework
issue, then the next step is determining what is causing the homework problem.
