Summer Streets and Homework

It’s so much harder to get the kids to do homework when it’s beautiful outside.

I don’t usually have a spare minute in my day. And yet, last week I found myself in the park, with 3 of my kids. Not once, but twice. And the park was filled to capacity. There is something irresistibly luring when high-energy kids meet beautiful weather. 

I wished I could stay there longer as I watched them climb, slide and run freely, squealing, “Mommy, look!” every few minutes. And then I realized that suppertime and bedtime couldn’t be forgotten in the excitement, although I would’ve loved for both to be pushed aside. Business before pleasure. Maturely, I stood up, gathered the reluctant, sweaty kids and headed to the exit. 

But what happens when the kids are not as mature and homework doesn’t only wish to be forgotten, it actually is forgotten. Until the student, aka your 10-year-old, is finally under the covers, only to yell, “I forgot about the spelling test for tomorrow!” 

They’ve come this far, we want to end off the year on a positive note and not just forget about it.

Let’s dive in to 3 super-practical strategies that will effectively reduce these “I forgot my homework…” episodes. 

1. Establish a consistent homework routine. 

A consistent home routine brings structure and becomes a habit. Set aside a designated time, such as 6:30 is homework time, or after a set task, such as right after dinner.

When setting the time, consider: 

– your child’s personality – (needs time to unwind after school or prefers to get things done right away) 

– the home structure – (all kids doing homework around the table or each one on their own schedule; guests coming for dinner; baths tonight, etc.)

– and homework load – (just a quick review or a heavy test; school project that should be split up over several nights; etc.) 

– Events such as weddings and appointments have advance notice and are not emergencies – modified homework plans can be made ahead of time, teaching flexibility and problem-solving. 

Check in: What is for homework tonight?

When the homework load is heavier, prioritization is needed. Prioritizing is a personal preference. For some, difficult homework should be done first to free up the brain, while for others, easy homework should be done first, reserving brain energy. See what works. 

Remember that the streets beckon for good reason. Would you have your kids stroll and scoot before homework so they release their pent-up energy or after homework is done so they first focus on finishing? 

2. Create a positive homework environment 

A positive homework environment brings focus and calm. Bedroom desks give students a sense of privacy and a quiet environment. A lap desk is a great option if space is limited. During Covid when I had my children home and the noise level was impossible to limit, my noise-sensitive daughter wore noise-canceling headphones while everyone was doing their homework together around the dining room table. It worked! You can try this for any child who has sensory challenges and cannot think in a noisy environment. 

3. Discuss homework challenges 

Sit down for an open discussion about homework with your kids that are most challenging. Use this super-clear checklist to guide your discussion. Keep your tone of voice neutral and be open and curious–no getting defensive, judgmental or resentful. You can start by saying, “I noticed that this time of year, with everyone playing outside, homework becomes really hard to do. Every time I call you in, you (describe student’s behaviors) ….” 

Some things that get in the way of homework:

	Leaving my homework at school
	Getting homework details, including page numbers and examples
	Unclear what I need to do
	Pushing off homework
	Prioritizing the order
	Homework is taking me forever
	I forget about school when I’m on the street
	I forget the time when I am outside

Once the challenges are uncovered, strategize and problem-solve. 

To reinforce homework habits, especially during these challenging spring months, use a rewards chart, with smaller rewards built in every 10-15 days to keep the momentum going and build motivation. 

Beat the street! Here you have it in 1, 2, 3: 

1. Establish a consistent homework routine 

2. Create a positive homework environment 

3. Discuss homework challenges, strategize, and problem-solve 

Where do your kids get stuck when summer streets and homework collide?