Creating a Calm Homework Atmosphere for Your Kids

We said our last goodbyes to summer and now school is back in full session. That can be tough on kids morphing to a different mindset, from a lazy holi-dazy attitude to a study and homework mentality.

Classrooms conducive to learning may go a long way toward helping students understand the subjects they study in school, but their home environment also plays a huge role in how well kids do in their studies and educational programs. A homework-friendly atmosphere at home can expedite learning, and there are many ways we as parents can create such an environment for our school-aged children.

Designate a homework zone in a distraction-free area of your home!

Some children are easily distracted, and those diversions come in many forms. A living room where the television is blaring, a noisy kitchen where dinner is being prepared, and a room where pets can roam free are not ideal homework areas, as each one can draw kid’s attention away from their homework. Designate a room in your home that is quiet and well-lit so kids can do their homework free from all forms of distractions.

So What is the Right Location for a Homework Room

As mentioned earlier, when choosing an area of your home where kids will do their homework, avoid rooms adjacent to the kitchen and living room, as these rooms tend to be popular and subject to heavy foot traffic. But on the other hand, don’t choose a room or space too far away from the hustle and bustle, such as a basement, as this may make kids feel left out or like they’re being punished. In addition, you want to check on the kids intermittently to see if they need help and to make sure they aren’t spending their time daydreaming, surfing the web, or playing games.

Keep the Homework Room Clean

A cluttered homework room has a bad energy flow and may be less appealing to children. This disorganization also distracts kids from the assignments at hand. Encourage and help kids to keep their homework area clean, neat, and organized; this would include their desk and surrounding space. Supplies and other items kids need should be easily accessible in the homework room so they are not wasting time looking for necessary items they need to complete their tasks.

Let Kids Chill Out & Relax Before Starting Their Homework

Another good principle of a good homework atmosphere is letting kids unwind between getting home from school and cracking open the books. A healthy break between school and homework time can help kids focus better on their studies. In the interim between arriving home and diving into their homework, give the kids a healthy, power snack that can provide the needed energy so they can focus and concentrate once they start their homework.

Evaluate How the Homework Zone is Working

Once an ample amount of observable time has passed, examine how kids are performing with their homework assignments. If they are doing well, then there’s no reason to disturb their productive routine. If they are struggling, get their feedback and ask them if there is anything about the current setup that they dislike and resolve them together.

Kids rarely look forward to doing their homework, but if the right atmosphere is present, their tasks seem less of a chore and more of an opportunity to apply themselves.