If your child is giving you trouble when it comes time to do his or her math homework, there is one simple solution to the problem. The first thing you must know is that struggling against math may not be a sign your child is misbehaving or just plain lazy. Math can be very overwhelming for some children.
Possible Problems for Math Homework
The first step in doing away with math homework struggles is determining what the problem is. Many parents assume that the problem is the laziness of their child. Granted, some children are lazy, but the problem with not doing homework is usually more complex.
It is possible that your child does not understand the math homework problems. It is possible that he or she finds it too easy and is not challenged by the work. It is possible that the multiple sheets of math homework seem too overwhelming.
Compliance vs. Learning
Take a moment and consider why you want your child to do their math homework. Is it because they must obey their teacher and you, and do what you say? Or is it because they should know the math lessons to help them in their future life? Are you putting the focus on compliance or learning?
The ultimate goal of math homework is to teach your child math. A resistant child will not be learning.
Compromise and Working Together
Sit down and talk with your child about why they do not like to do their math. Help them understand that it is important to learn the math, and that the homework is designed to help them remember the math facts and rules.
While it is important for your child to know that you have the final say on when math homework should be completed, it is also wise to give them some choice in how it is done.
Ten Minute Math Bites for Success
If your child is struggling with his or her math homework, suggest they try ten minute math bites. You can use ten minutes, or even five minutes: whatever works for you and your child.
Split the math homework up into chunks of problems that should take ten minutes or less to complete. Then, spread the ten minute math bites out over the course of the evening. If your child has fifty problems of math homework for the day, split the work up into five groups of ten problems to be done in ten minutes each. This is much less stressful for your child and they will be less resistant to doing just ten minutes of math homework at a time.
Reducing the expected time of a math homework lesson from possibly hours to just ten minutes can give your child peace of mind. When they know they only have to work at it for ten minutes, the math homework struggles will become less and less. The most important thing is working with your child to come to a compromise about getting their work done.
