ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, April 25, 1996 TAG: 9604260011
SECTION: PARENTS' GUIDE PAGE: PG-8 EDITION: METRO
Homework, oh, homework, I hate you, you stink
I wish I could wash you away in the sink
If only a bomb could explode you to bits
Homework, oh, homework, you're giving me fits
- Ogden Nash
This poem could just as well be recited by a parent as by a child. Homework is to kids what taxes are to adults - no one likes them, they have to be done and they can't be avoided without consequences.
Of course, there are also rewards involved - more success in school for students, a possible refund for parents, or, at least, no jail time.
Although parents aren't the ones who have to or should do the homework, they are often responsible to see it gets done. This can set up a battle between parent and child. Negotiating the terms of a settlement can help end, or at least diminish, the skirmishes.
There are three basic needs in encouraging children to do homework: a time, a place and a good reason or incentive.
Homework needs to be scheduled just as much as soccer practices or piano lessons. Some children need a break between school and homework, some need to continue in an academic frame of mind. Take into account your child's preferences, as well as other demands on family time. Make sure you can be around if your child needs help or encouragement. Agree on a time and give it a trial period. If it doesn't work out, jointly decide on another time.
Give your child a calendar so he can learn to manage his own time, a valuable skill to have, both now and later. Mark study times and other events.
According to author I. John Gasson, in the book ``Helping Your Child Succeed at School,'' knowing what to expect gives children a sense of security at a time when they need it most in their lives. Having a specific time and place for homework establishes a routine, which creates security. If you have more than one child at home, it may help to stagger study times or to use different locations for homework.
Punishment tends to be only a short-term solution to the problem of unwillingness to do homework, said Gasson. Children either become immune to the consequences or get better at covering up the fact that homework has not been done. Scolding or punishing a child, either by parent or teacher, only adds to his distaste for schoolwork. It is better to use the ``carrot'' than the ``stick.''
You can motivate your child by making it clear that you expect homework to be done and by rewarding him if he does it regularly over an agreed period. But, the best incentive is simply that he wants to do it because he can see its usefulness for his studies and success in school.
It's a fact that students who do their homework regularly get better grades than those who don't. Better grades can lead to more career choices later on. More immediately, doing homework regularly and properly fulfills the expectations you have clearly set.
Praise for effort, not just for results. Let your child hear, ``Great job getting all your homework done,'' ``I like the way you've been getting down to business when homework time begins.'' Find something to praise every day.
``Teachers, and parents, too, sometimes criticize,'' said Callie Bowles of Janus Learning Center. ``I praise the kids here a lot. I treat them with dignity.''
You can often motivate children who resist homework with a backup reward system. Each time your child does his homework to the best of his ability (you establish the guidelines), let him earn a reward or points toward a reward. Money doesn't necessarily have to be involved.
``Less emphasis on money and more on family unity, like going to a special game or doing something together, establishes good communication and good family relationships,'' said Bowles.
If all else fails, contact the teacher or guidance counselor. Work together to come up with a plan to improve his motivation.
``You cannot allow your children to remain indifferent about their homework,'' wrote Lee Canter and Lee Hausner in ``Homework Without Tears.'' ``If they develop such an unmotivated approach to learning, they are likely to have problems handling the `real world' as well.''
If your child has drawn clear lines of battle and refuses to do homework, Canter and Hausner offer some ammunition for parents. First, let your child know that irresponsible behavior toward homework will not be tolerated. Period.
Then, back up your words with action. When a child is engaged in a power struggle with you and openly refuses to do what you want, you must assert your authority if any impact is to be made. Follow through on your demands.
It may prove useful to involve your child's teacher in solving the problem. Ask him or her to follow up at school if your child is not finishing or handing in homework. Your child will quickly learn the school is backing up your efforts.
A contract, to be signed daily or weekly by the teacher, child and you, can be a simple solution. Discipline instituted or privileges removed can be appropriate measures for a broken contract. On the other hand, provide praise and positive support for your child when he does do his homework.
Once your child has put down his battle weapons and has started doing homework on a regular basis, additional incentives may help keep him on course. Once he sees the benefits of doing his homework - better grades, positive feedback and less pressure from home and school - the incentives can probably fall by the wayside.
LENGTH: Medium: 100 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: TIM TREVILIAN. Linda Payne of Roanoke gives daughterby CNBMackenzie (left) and her friend, Jaimie Clay, a little guidance at
homework time.