In the midst of the back-to-school excitement you forgot, didn’t you? You were happy to get back into a routine and some kind of structure after the summer but you forgot and homework. It’s OK to admit that homework is not something you love. 

• Make a list. Rather than going straight into the first task make an overall list of everything that has to be done even if it is written in a homework journal. Writing out a list is a great way to get your head around exactly what you are about to do and it will help you prioritise the tasks and make a realistic plan.
• Start with the biggest piece of homework because energy and enthusiasm will fade as time goes on. Getting the biggest task done first is a great way to feel a sense of accomplishment early on. Knowing that just the smaller tasks remain really helps to keep the momentum going as the finish line feels close.
• Encourage a snack before homework is started. It will give your little one a boost of energy and will make sure that snack requests are not a daily distraction. A healthy snack and a drink before they start will make a difference.
• Find a homework routine. Rather than taking each day as it comes find a routine that works for you. If homework is done before dinner some days and then just before bed on other days there is no consistency. If homework time is specific it will come to be expected and this will be comforting to your children.
• Have a good homework station. If can be the kitchen table or a desk in a bedroom but it is important that the space is home-work friendly. You don’t want it to be littered with distractions, food or toys. A clean and clear homework space will keep your children in the zone until their homework is complete.
• Gather your supplies before you sit down to do the homework. Consult your list and think about what you might need. Will you need a pen for one task and a pencil and ruler for another? Have everything ready to go so there are no major distractions that interrupt the flow of homework.
• Make a rough time plan. For a couple of days make a rough note of how long each task has taken you. This will help you make a plan for other days.
• Lead by example. Do you have paperwork or reading to do? Why not do it near the kids during homework time?
• Encouragement is key. So many children struggle with homework due to confidence levels. They may feel as though the work is too difficult and this can lead to them feeling overwhelmed. Helping them and encouraging their efforts will really help them build confidence. They will want to impress you and themselves. 
• Reward their work. As adults, we thrive on the idea of having an end result and reward. Kids do too. The promise of playing with a toy they love or having their favourite dinner that night is a great way to help them focus on something positive to keep them going.