1. Be positive about homework!
2. Help children with time management, break long assignments down into smaller bits that are less overwhelming.
3. Be sure they have all materials-pens, pencils and paper, before getting started.
4. Make sure the TV, computer, cell phone and video games are off, make this a special, quiet time for the entire household. Yes, no media for you either right now.
5. If no homework…Great! Tell your child they can read for fun during homework time…make sure they have books.(Tip- Boys love graphic novels, comic books, star wars, etc…)
6. Homework should be done as a routine! Same time, same place, homework or read for fun!
7. During the homework hour, find something for yourself to do, other than phone, media, TV, and radio. This is a great time for you to model reading, doing bills, checkbook, and chores.
8. Give your child time for something fun to do when homework is completed.
9. Give your child a pat on the back after they complete homework.
10. Give yourself a pat on the back for taking the time to care and make the sacrifice to set-up this quiet homework time. It’s not easy…but well worth it!
11. Be sure your child has some movement or outdoor play, at least 5 days a week, especially with challenging children.

Caring­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­________________________________________________________________

Offers Encouragement____________________________________________________

Available______________________________________________________________

Consistent_____________________________________________________________

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Coach your children to win the homework game!

When to wait

*you’re angry or very upset

*you’re child is angry or very upset

*You may say or do something that you may regret

*The misbehavior happens in the car…especially if it’s on the way to school!

When to give the consequence on another day

*You don’t have the time to deal with this child now effectively.

*It’s a holiday, a birthday, you have to leave for work…

*You would prefer to think this through, maybe talk to the other parent, a grandparent or best friend to get ideas about best possible consequence.

*It’s 8pm and your ADHD child is coming off of medicine and experiencing a crash or let down period (which-is about the worst time to discipline this child)

*The misbehavior happens in the car