It is very rare for a child to be excited about their homework – it’s not something they can’t wait to get started on. Most parents experience groans from their children, and the school bags put aside for more fun activities. Their children moan about the amount of homework they have and the particular work they dislike, so they either put it off until the very last minute or they decide to just do the easiest or most interesting homework first.
Both fun and hard homework has to be done, so how can parents encourage their children to get cracking? It might seem easier to let them tackle the fun assignments first, but there’s a surprisingly simple reason why doing the least-liked work first is actually the best homework strategy.
Simple Strategy for the ‘Boring, It’s Too Hard’ Homework
Starting with the toughest or least appealing assignment can help your child build momentum. Once they complete the homework they dread, everything else will feel easier in comparison. Then they can look forward to the more enjoyable homework. By completing the ‘hard, boring’ stuff, they will feel a sense of accomplishment, reduce stress as ‘it’s done now‘ and create a more positive attitude toward the next piece. It’s like ripping off a Band-Aid. The sooner you do it, the sooner it’s over.
A huge benefit to doing this is energy management. Children have the most focus and mental energy at the beginning of a homework session. If they saved the hard stuff for last, they would be tired, distracted or frustrated, which would mean the homework would take longer and feel even more unpleasant. Tackling it first ensures they are using their peak brainpower. It’s definitely worth doing it this way.
Finally, completing the worst piece teaches an important life skill. Children will learn the importance of prioritisation rather than putting things off. Learning to face challenges head-on rather than avoiding them is valuable. It encourages responsibility, discipline and resilience.
This strategy will help with the drama of the homework battles. It will take away the moaning and encourage children to dive in first. They’ll finish faster, feel better and even enjoy the rest of their homework more as they see the finish line of the work they love the most.
More Homework Help & Resources for Parents
Four Homework Strategies for Children
How Children Can be more Productive with Homework
