Parent Question "My child is bored by homework. Is this normal? What Can I do?"
Yes, it's normal for students not to want to do their homework. But if your child always seems bored or unhappy, you need to try to find out the reason by talking with your child. Then talk with the teacher to come up with a solution.
Teachers want students to learn from homework; not to become bored or frustrated. Tell the teacher if your child thinks the homework is too easy or too hard. This will help the teacher match homework with student ability and maturity levels.
Other tips include:
- Providing your child with some helpful homework hints that includes their interest. For example, if he has a choice on what topic to write about, choose an area of interest. Go to museums or other community centers that encourage academic lessons outside the school.
- Set up your child to do homework with his or her friends that share the same class. Set up a time for study and a time for fun.
- Ask your child's teacher(s) if they have a homework helpline, Web page or assignment page on the school Website.
- Avoid spending hours of homework time when your child is frustrated. Share this concern with your child's teacher(s). Most schools promote a time limit of 1 hour of homework in elementary, 2 for middle school and 3 for high school students.
