4 Practical Homework Tips Every Parent Needs to Know

Inside: Do you need homework help for kids? Do you need homework tips to make your after-school schedule and routine easier?

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My kids started school up again, and since my eldest is now in middle school, we’ve been starting school with homework for 6 years.

Each year, we work hard to get off to the right foot with school supplies, making school lunches, and learning how to be a good friend. 

But there’s one area that still causes stress and anxiousness during back to school time: Homework.

And I know we’re not alone with homework struggles.

Some parents have kids who sail right through homework time with no problems.

For the rest of us, we get irritated, mad, frustrated, and need a cocktail by 4 pm.

But there are easy solutions for homework hassles that every parent should know to make homework easier for everyone.

Practical Homework Tips Every Parent Should Know:

Lots of adults hate homework. Especially after the years of Covid and school at home we all suffered through. 

Here is why teachers assign homework , but even if you hate homework as much as your kids, it still needs to get done. 

Having been an elementary school teacher and tutor for over a decade—and a mom to three very different types of learners—I have four practical homework tips to share that will work for all types of kids and learners.

1. Set Up a Routine

In our family, we come in, wash our hands, get a snack, and start homework.

We do homework first because that’s what works for us: we do what we have to do before we do what we want to do. 

If your child needs a little downtime before they get started on schoolwork, go for it.

Some families do homework in the morning. Pick what works for you and stick to the routine to avoid complaints and whining.

Have your kids use an afterschool checklist so they know what to expect every day.

2. Create a Homework Supply Box

Organize all the supplies they will ever need to complete their homework in one place.

If there’s another sharp pencil right in front of them, there are no reasons to stand up once they have started.

They can sit down and get to work. Fewer excuses to dawdle means homework gets done faster.

And if all the supplies are in one place, your kids can be more independent as they do their homework.

They don’t need to ask you for a blue crayon or scissors or glue.

3. Decide Where Homework Will Be Done and Have a Back-Up

My kids each have a desk in their rooms, but those tend to be used more for crafting and creating projects.

We do our homework at the kitchen table so I’m able to get my chores and work done but still be nearby to answer questions, offer help, read word problems, and redirect them back to work when necessary.

Kids who are unable to complete their work because they’re being distracted– or if they’re being a distraction–know they can no longer sit with the family to do their homework.

They are relegated to the dining room table or to their room.

Most days, that’s all the incentive my kids need to quiet down and focus. 

I offer to sit nearby/work nearby/or do a chore nearby them while they finish. 

4. Stock a To Go Homework Bag

Most families don’t head home right after school…We’re always racing off to sports, Scouts, music, or religious education classes.

For the siblings who sit and wait, they can do their homework as they wait.

Pack their homework, supplies needed, a book to read, and this awesome clipboard to work on.

The kids who are in the activity can work in the car on the way to or from their class if there’s no time once you get home.

If you’re on the go for afterschool activities, bring the homework with you!

Need More Advanced Homework Tips? 

Once you have the basics of homework established, you may still need a few homework hacks and tips based on your kid’s personality and learning style to get your kids to actually finish their homework before you pull your hair out. (Perfect for kids who can’t sit still, kids who get overwhelmed easily, kids who are struggling, and kids who need a lot of incentives to finish the job!)

Or do you have a Kindergartener who needs help learning to sit still long enough to finish their work?

Here are homework tips designed specifically for Kindergarten students.

Just keep in mind, not all tricks work for all students…you may need to try something and then adjust it based on what’s working.

Here’s to smooth homework with minimal tears, complaints, and whining.

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