I am having alot of issues getting my 7 year old to do her homework. Any suggestions?

Melissa - posted on 10/18/2012

I agree.no tv really helps too.

Sylvia - posted on 11/28/2010

Homework for a kid in Grade 2, if there is any, shouldn't take more than 20 minutes for the kid to do, and help from parents shouldn't be required -- homework should be to practice something the kids have already learned how to do in class. (This is coming from my DD's Grade 2 teacher last year.) If it's really taking 4 hours, and if you're feeling like you're doing your daughter's homework for her, then something is clearly not as it should be. I would give her a snack, sit her down with her homework for 20 minutes or so while you do something else (when my DD has homework -- spelling on Mondays, writing a paragraph over the weekend, and occasionally a maths review sheet -- she usually sits at the kitchen table to do it while I'm washing dishes and/or getting dinner ready). If she's not done after 20 minutes, or maybe half an hour, let her stop, and write a note to the teacher explaining that she worked on it for X amount of time and this is how much she got done, and let it go. (Again, this is a suggestion from DD's teacher -- the Grade 3 teacher this time.) It's much more important for a 7-year-old to have time for creative play, running around, and free reading (or being read to) than to spend hours every day doing homework :(

Rebecca - posted on 11/28/2010

Thank you for all the help ladies! I am putting into action some of these ideas and will keep you updated on the progress.

Kathy - posted on 11/02/2010

My son is the same age and struggling with reading and spelling. I made a tray with sugar on it for him to write his spelling words in (his teacher suggested this). We also have flash cards with words from Kindergarten and First grade that he still struggles with. We read 20 minutes every night. Some books he can read-others I still read. I am going to invest on math flash cards so he gets better at his math facts. It takes time and patience. I always have him do his homework then I look check it and we review whatever he misses. This way he does the work independently yet still gets help in the end. Good luck finding what works best for you and you daughter! Remember to talk to her teacher-she/he may have some wonderful suggestions!

Megan - posted on 11/02/2010

Does she have a problem with the reading or is she just messing around? If she is honestly having a problem I would talk to the teacher and see if there is anything that can be done to help her. I think 4 hours of homework at 7 is totally unreasonable. Also, break it into 15 min sections, she works for 15 min steadily, then takes a 5 min break, then back to work for another 15 min. I think if she is honestly trying then its something the school needs to look into as she may need more help in reading.

Neva - posted on 11/02/2010

The key phrase here is that homework is taking "us" 4 hours. She needs to be doing her homework not you. You can be available for help if she needs it but make it her responsibility. I would set a reasonable time that she needs to get her homework done and set a timer. If she doesn't finish in that time because she is fooling around or procrastinating, then I would have some kind of consequence like removal of privileges. I would also set up a rewards chart, so that if she finishes her homework on time she gets a sticker. If at the end of the week she has finished her homework every day, then he gets some kind of reward, like a day out with mom or dad, a special movie, etc. Set up a special time and place for homework, that is consistent every day. Don't lecture or nag. Just explain how this new system is going to work, what the rewards and consequences are and then follow through.

Jodi - posted on 10/30/2010

Stop babying her. Certainly help her, but if she can't do it (or won't) in a reasonable amount of time, walk away and don't stress. She's 7. If she fails school because of homework at the age of 7, I'd question the school's priorities.