Tips for managing homework time as a single parent

The best time to do homework differs from one family to another. Ideally, you want to choose a time when your child is still focused and you’re available to sit with them. It’s up to you and your child to find that moment. Once you do, the following tips can help make homework time go more smoothly:

• Divide up tasks (e.g., do some before dinner and some after)
• Plan the duration of each task and schedule breaks in between
• Refer your child to Alloprof’s services when they have questions.
• Etc.

As unlikely as it sounds, homework time can be a fun parent-child moment. Turning this chore into a chance to spend quality time together will make your little one much less likely to put up a fight. All you need to do is make small changes:

• Create an inviting atmosphere (e.g., play soft music, serve a special drink)
• Do required readings in unexpected places (e.g., in bed, in the bath)
• Vary homework methods or incorporate games if time permits
• Etc.

Using a timer (also called a chronometer) is essential to ensuring homework time goes smoothly because it gives your child more autonomy. It’ll also save you time as your youngster gets better at the following:

• Organizing their work
• Preparing for the next task
• Estimating how long a task will take
• Etc.

Focusing on effort and autonomy is a winning strategy! Kids who gain a bit of independence and see their efforts rewarded will find doing their homework more enjoyable. As a result, you won’t need to step in as often or give quite as many reminders. To boost your child’s autonomy and encourage them to show initiative, suggest that they do the following:

• Ask a sibling when they have questions 
• Ask an adult (e.g., grandparents, family friend, step-parent)
• Go to the Alloprof website or contact one of our teachers for any academic questions
• Etc.

Sometimes, shared custody makes keeping track of homework and lessons a little more complicated. Use an agenda (paper or online) to stay organized and communicate more easily with your child’s other parent. Try the following strategies:

• Write down what tasks have been completed and what still need to be done
• List any documents that need to be signed
• Make note of important dates (e.g., parents’ meetings)
• Indicate if you feel that your child should review certain material (e.g., “I think more vocabulary exercises would be a good idea”)
• Highlight your child’s achievements (e.g., “Wow, did you see that last math test score?”)
• Etc.