Homework time: How to balance everybody’s needs to prevent conflict

Talking things out can help solve many issues. That’s because once something is said out loud, it suddenly becomes more real. Discussing a problem is also the best way to come up with a way to solve it. To help make sure homework time goes off without a hitch, you and your child can try discussing your individual needs. You can broach this topic informally over a meal, or try the following technique:

• Write your individual needs on pieces of paper (e.g., “I need to eat a snack before I do my homework” or “When I get home, I need 15 minutes of quiet time”)
• Place the pieces of paper on the table
• Read each one out loud
• Try to place them in a logical sequence (e.g., Before you start your homework, you could have a snack while I enjoy some quiet time)
• Etc.

Once you’ve established some common ground (that takes everyone’s needs into account), you can set up a routine and post it somewhere your child can see it:

• On the refrigerator
• In their school agenda
• On the corner of their desk
• On the pantry door
• Etc.

This routine could contain the following information:

• The best time to do homework
• The best place to do homework
• The best order for everyone’s tasks
• Useful resources available on the Alloprof website
• Etc.

As you know, needs change over time, so you may need to adjust your routine several times a year.

If only you could be in two places at once! Unfortunately, that’s not possible, but there are other things you can do to help your child get their homework done, no matter how crazy life gets. The next time you’re in a jam, check out these Alloprof resources:

• Exercises
• Games
• Videos
• Crash Lessons (French only)
• Etc.

Pro tip: try posting a list of your favourite alternatives in a prominent place!

Is your child struggling to solve a math word problem, but you can’t help them because you’re already helping your other child prepare an oral presentation? Don’t panic! You can prevent a full-blown crisis by making a list of people and resources your child can turn to. Here are just a few examples:

• A classmate
• A big brother or sister
• Another parent
• A slightly older friend
• The Alloprof Help Zone
• Our teachers
• Etc.