Homework: Helping Out Without Freaking Out

Homework: Helping Homework: Helping Out Without Freaking Out Without Freaking

OutOut

Homework: Helping Homework: Helping Out Without Freaking Out Without Freaking

OutOutPresentation by:Presentation by:

Donna Novak, Psy.D. Donna Novak, Psy.D.

Fulton Psychological GroupFulton Psychological Group

October 8, 2013October 8, 2013Ivy Academia Parent NightIvy Academia Parent Night

Fulton Psychological Group


• Individual Therapy• Group Therapy• Parent Training• Family Therapy

• Couples Therapy• Psychological Testing

• Psychiatry

Where to Begin• Creating Consistency• Proper Study Area(s)• Get it Done on Time• Your Child Does Their Own Work• Praise• Ideas that Work• Communication• Action is Stronger than Words• Working with the Teacher• Common Problems


Homework BattlesDo any of these situations occur in your home?

• You and your children have nightly battles about doing homework.

• Your children rush through homework assignments, with sloppy, incomplete results or “forgets” homework

• You do more of the homework than your children do.

• Your children insist that they are able to do homework while watching TV, talking on the phone, and listening to the music.

• The first time you hear about a major project is the night before its due…and it isn’t finished.


• The tools in the presentation are intended to create consistency

• Why is consistency important?– Child knows what to expect– Decreases anxiety

• It’s the CHALLENGE

Consistency is Key


• Environment– Quiet – Well Lit– No Distractions

• Supplies– Have plenty

• Accessibility – To a parent or older sibling for help– Younger the child the more accessibility to

a parent

Proper Study Area(s)


• Small Break– Who wants to come home from work

and go right back to it?• Younger kids-Older teens

– Smaller increments of time (K-3: 20 minute chunks) increasing as age increases

• Older Children- Weekly Planner

Get it Done on Time


Daily Homework Time Mandatory Homework Timeo Speeders o Forgetters

Get it Done on Time


All Too Familiar…?


• Be there to help, but expect them to find the answers:– Dictionary– Google– Text book• This helps build confidence and

independence.

Your Child Does Their Own Work


Your Child Does Their Own Work

• Encouragement• Emphasize your confidence in them• Break down “overwhelming”

assignments• Encourage each step• Provide more independence


Praise• Consistently praise your children’s

efforts.• Provide your child with specific

praise. • Combine with a hug or a pat on

the shoulder.


Group Activity


Ideas that WorkIncentives

Don’t worry, it’s not permanentThey are your choice to givePhase them outConsistency

Have Fun!Homework can be fun!!!

Beat the clockSpinnerTrade Off (involves candy!!! Or some other small

object, i.e. stickers)ContractsChunkingUtilizing multiple senses


Communication

• Do it early, do it often!• Set expectations and rules

for homework in advance

- It’s early in the school year, a perfect time!

• When the going gets tough, the tough talk it out!

- “I don’t want to do my homework,” “It’s too hard.”


Action is Stronger than Words

And when it gets really tough… the tough take action- You’ve talked about

your homework expectations, you’ve set the rules; now it’s time to follow through.


Working With the Teacher

• Contact the teacher if your child:

– Has difficulty with or can’t do an assignment

– Forgets their assignments at school– Is not finishing homework– Is not doing quality work or showing poor

work habits– You and your child’s teacher can be a team!


Solving the Problems: The Seven Ugly Sins

• Not doing the best work• Refusal to do homework• Not bringing assignments home• Taking all night to finish HW• Not taking initiative to complete

homework alone• Procrastination• Not doing homework if a parent isn’t home


Special Topics

• Continued difficulty with school and homework

• Testing• Psychotherapy• What is getting in the way

of your child’s success?

• Special Needs• Lack of motivation

• There is no such thing as “lazy”


Questions???


Resource• Homework Without Tears, Author: Lee

Canter and Lee Hausner, Ph.D.


Homework: Helping Out Without Freaking

OutDonna Novak, Psy.D.(818) 591-3000, ext. 5

[email protected]

Fulton Psychological Group5016 Parkway Calabasas, Ste 220

Calabasas, CA 91302

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Homework: Helping Out Without Freaking Out