How to Motivate Your Child to Do Their Homework?

A parent’s attitude during homework time can have a big impact on their child’s motivation. If you’re enthusiastic, you’ll help your child develop a taste for learning and become a more confident student.

Speak with your child to find a homework routine that suits them. If you include them in the decision-making, they’ll feel empowered, and their motivation will quickly increase. Here are some questions you can ask to guide the conversation:

• Do you want to relax and have a snack before starting your homework?
• Would you rather get to work right after school so you have more free time in the evening?
• Do you prefer having one long homework session or several short ones?

Your child’s work environment affects the way they approach homework time. Studies have shown that giving your child a workspace that suits their personality and needs has a positive impact on their motivation and learning. The ideal workspace should meet the following criteria:

• Calm atmosphere
• No distractions
• No phone
• No ambient noises
• Well organized
• Soothing music (optional)
• Nearby window
• Nearby parent
• Etc.

Rather than working for 60 minutes straight, your child could work over three 20-minute stretches. Splitting up the work and taking breaks have been shown to promote concentration and help maintain motivation.

Sometimes you just need a bit of imagination to break the monotony and make study sessions fun. Here are some things you can try:

• Turn lesson review into a trivia game
• Study spelling words using alphabet noodles
• Use the interactive French spelling exercise (in French only)
• Review multiplication tables while taking a walk in the park
• Practise math using the app Fin Lapin (in French only)
• etc.

Despite all your best efforts, fatigue and small frustrations can build and spark arguments. To avoid conflicts and ensure that homework time stays enjoyable, you can ask for backup. A third party, such as a parent or sibling, can often help de-escalate rising tensions and put everyone in a better mood.

Stéphanie Deslauriers shares tips on how to keep the peace during homework time.