The secret formula to make your child do homework [Part 1]

As a parent, it can get frustrating sometimes when your child does not want to do his homework. The entire process of sitting with them and making sure they do it on time and by themselves is long and tiring. If only our kids also had Doraemon to help him with their homework! Our concern of getting our children to complete their studies on time would also vanish. Although reality is very different from any cartoon, it doesn’t mean the importance of doing your homework on time is any less.

We can understand that for children homework is a very big task which is uninteresting, specially when they have so many gadgets around them that provide different ways of entertainment. However, sticking to a regular homework regime is equally important since it cultivates many good qualities in your child, such as- encouraging self-responsibility, exercising the brain, improving concentration, cultivating discipline, time management, independent thinking, problem-solving, and many more qualities; and bringing a sense of accomplishment to your children.

Are you confused about how you can get your child to study and do their homework? Here’s our secret formula that will help you: it is called the “2 rupees, 3 paisa” concept. It was put forth by Vidya Ragu, a psychologist and learning & development specialist, who says that the “2 rupees, 3 paisa” concept is a fun acronym for the 2 R ’s and 3 P ’s that you should always remember while you are trying to get your child to study.

1. Responsibility (R #1):

Usually parents just want their child’s homework to be completed so that there are no troubles from school the next day. Most parents also consider it their responsibility to make sure that the homework is completed on time and done in the best possible manner. But that’s not true! Never forget that your child’s homework is his responsibility!

Let your child complete her homework by herself!

As parents, we are responsible for enabling our children to do it by themselves, not just sit and do it for them! Prompt your child to tell you about his homework- what is required, how much time do they think it will take, and do they require any other help. Don’t nag and/or keep constant supervision on your child as they finish their homework. Instead, ask them to call you when they finish so you can check it and ask them to identify and correct their mistakes. By following this practice, your children will gradually take responsibility of their own homework!

2. Regularity / Routine (R #2):

Sometimes it happens that your child has no homework from school. What do you do on such days? Making a child sit only to do homework every day will set the wrong idea in his mind. Instead, allot a time slot in which your child will study- irrespective of whether he has homework that day or not. This will help your kids understand that they need to learn more every day and that their study time is not dependent only on homework.

Choose the most effective time for your kid to finish their homework

Most kids have short attention spans, and get distracted easily. To tackle a problem like this, understand when your child can concentrate the best and for how long. Then make his study schedule accordingly. A tried and tested method is to keep slots of 45 minutes of studying, followed by break slots of 15 minutes. Before deciding on a time, discuss with your child and keep a time that allows him to study effectively and also doesn’t cut into his play time!

For some kids, finishing their homework before they head out to play is more beneficial, while for other kids, coming back after playing improves their concentration levels even more. Having a different timetable for weekdays and weekends is another alternative that you can follow for your kid. Choose whichever way works best for your child, but ensure it is followed consistently.

To know more about the three P’s of the “2 rupees, 3 paisa” concept, stay tuned for our next blog coming soon!