Does your toddler have a hard time concentrating with his homework? Does he procrastinate, complain and throw a tantrum each time he has to sit down and answer his assignments? Here are some tips to help kids with homework without doing it for them.

Set A Regular Time

Having a specific time for homework helps children finish assignments. This is the most commonly broken rule of homework. The best schedule is one that works for your toddler. He may study after school, after an hour of play or after dinner if your toddler is the type who needs to disburse some energy before he dives back into the books. Be consistent about the routine and through repetition, good study habits will be attained.

Feed Your Toddler First

A child’s brain burns a lot of energy, hence, consistent fuel is necessary. Always make sure that you offer your little one a light snack before he starts his task. Eating is crucial for homework to be successful. A child who does brain work on an empty tummy will not be focused and productive.

Choose A Spot

Find a place where your toddler can do his homework. A desk in his bedroom, the kitchen table or the coffee table in the living room works just fine as long as the study area has lots of light, well-ventilated, all homework supplies are within reach and there are no distractions (e.g. television, radio, family members, etc.).

Give Your Toddler A Break

Never force your toddler to finish his assignments in one sitting or else his brain will go into overdrive. Give your toddler at least 30 minutes to have a snack and unwind. He can use that time to read, take a nap or do any relaxing activity he wants to do as long as it does not involve anything with a screen – TV, computer or video games. Keep Friday nights homework-free. Let him play, watch his favorite show or help you cook. He will be able to function better with a refreshed mind and body.

Show Interest

Ask your toddler how his day went, what he learned in school and his homework. Ask questions like “Do you understand the assignment?”, but try not to be overly helpful to the point that you are spoon-feeding the answers to his homework. He has to learn how to do assignments on his own. Only help him if he asks for your help. But do it in a manner that will allow him to work out his own solutions. Instead of saying, “You counted it wrong. There are ten apples in this picture.”, say “What do you think honey? Let us count the apples again.”. When your toddler is finished, check his assignments but do not make corrections. After all, his teacher needs to see whether he truly understands his homework.

Pile On The Praise

Always praise good efforts. Stick samples of homework on the refrigerator or on his bedroom wall. Your appreciation and encouragement will do wonders for his self-esteem and go a long way toward motivating your toddler to complete assignments.

When it comes to homework, always support your toddler and offer assistance, but never do the assignment yourself.