Writer Sinkhorn

If your elementary school aged child is giving you trouble when it comes time to do his or her math homework, there is 1 basic solution to the dilemma.  The initial thing you should know is that struggling against math might not be a sign your child is misbehaving or just plain lazy.  Math can be quite overwhelming for some young children.

Probable Problems for Math Homework

The very first step in doing away with math homework struggles is determining what the difficulty is.  A lot of parents assume that the issue is the laziness of their child.  Granted, some children are lazy, but the problem with not performing homework is normally more complex.

It is probable that your child does not recognize the math homework difficulties.  It is possible that he or she finds it too easy and is not challenged by the work.  It is possible that the several sheets of math homework seem too overwhelming.

Compliance vs. Understanding

Take a moment and take into account why you want your child to do their math homework.  Is it due to the fact they need to obey their teacher and you, and do what you say?  Or is it since they really should know the math lessons to help them in their future life?  Are you putting the focus on compliance or learning?

The ultimate objective of math homework is to teach your child math.  A resistant child will not be understanding.

Compromise and Working Together

Sit down and talk with your child about why they do not like to do their math.  Help them recognize that it is crucial to learn the math, and that the homework is designed to help them remember the math facts and rules.

Although it is crucial for your child to know that you have the final say on when math homework need to be completed, it is also wise to give them some option in how it is accomplished.

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 issues that really should take ten minutes or much less to total.  Then, spread the ten minute math bites out over the course of the evening.  If your child has fifty difficulties of math homework for the day, split the work up into five groups of ten troubles to be accomplished in ten minutes each.  This is considerably less stressful for your child and they will be less resistant to performing just ten minutes of math homework at a time.

Lowering 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 much less.  The most critical thing is working with your child to come to a compromise about acquiring their work carried out.