The Benefits of a Homework Routine

Adopting a homework routine is a great way to make your child’s after-school work a priority. As well as being a good habit, it helps foster consistency, discipline, and perseverance. Before you set up a homework routine, ask yourself two questions:

1. What time best suits me and my child (i.e., when are we both available)?

• Right after school?
• After dinner?
• In the evening?

2. Where is the best place to do homework?

• In my child’s room?
• At their desk?
• At the dining table?
• In the kitchen while I’m making dinner?

Talk this point over with your child to make sure you choose a spot they’re happy with.

Having a homework routine fosters good work habits and has many other advantages:

• Creates a sense of security
• Eliminates the possibility of negotiation
• Encourages greater autonomy
• Etc.

A homework routine also helps kids develop a work method—something that’s not only valuable for learning, but also necessary for doing well in school. A work method teaches them to do the following:

• Stay organized
• Meet deadlines
• Use an agenda
• Remember everything they need to bring home/to school
• Etc.

It may take some time for your child to get used to having a homework routine. If you sense that they need to recharge, there’s no harm in taking a break. Don’t worry—bending the rules once in a while won’t undermine their routine.

Adopting a few routines may sound trivial, but you’d be surprised how much they can benefit your child and improve their experience at school. Over time, your child will become increasingly independent and learn to do everyday tasks without having to be reminded.

Having a bedtime routine is equally important, because it makes it easier for your child to get a good night’s rest. Quality sleep helps children consolidate what they learn and improves their concentration; inadequate sleep has the opposite effect. In other words, establishing a bedtime routine can help your child do better in school.