|
|
The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter
Feature Article - Beating Homework Horrors Forever
What's happening on the discussion boards?
Guest Article - So, You Want To Be A Work From Home Mom?
Free Offers
Classified Ads
I've been watching the news about hurricane Katrina - I hope all my readers in her path are doing well.
Busy times for me! Now that Ariel has started preschool there's a little more running around to do. She only goes two days a week, but it's not the nearest school, so it takes some time to get there. I also have to help out two days a month, but that's really one of the pluses of this program, even if it does make things more time consuming.
Don't forget, you can contribute your articles or tips anytime for consideration. Just use the contact form.
Homework causes more headaches for parents than it does for children. Some parents worry because their children don’t seem to do enough while others are concerned because they do too much.
But for many parents homework is that time of the day when they routinely harass, hassle and harangue their child to JUST DO YOUR HOMEWORK!
Okay, what to do?
The first step is to know the homework policy of your children’s school and understand what is expected of you as a parent. Most school’s have parent interviews and information sessions at the start of the new year so make sure next year you get a good handle on how your children’s teacher expects you to assist your child.
It is also useful to find out what your children’s teacher will do if your child doesn’t complete set tasks. Homework is basically an agreement between a teacher and a child so it should be up to the teacher to ensure the homework is completed. That means the teacher becomes ‘the bad guy’ and puts some consequence in place if the homework is not completed. Your role as a parent is to support the school if a consequence is put in place, such as missing some recess to complete or whatever.
Parents need to be mindful that it is hard for teachers these days as they don’t have too many options available to ensure children complete homework.
Here are 10 tips to help you handle homework in a relatively sane way:
1. Establish homework time and stick to it each day. If children tell you that they don’t have any formal homework then they can read, revise or organise their work. My feedback tells me that sticking to a routine despite the fact that no formal homework is set extremely useful and helps avoid battles.
2. Put the onus back on your children to take responsibility for their work. Ask children at the start of a homework session to state how much homework they will do. At the end of the session check it to see if it matches with their intentions as well as yours. If you are more concerned about homework than them then it is you not your children who is responsible for homework.
3. Homework is as much a time management issue as anything else. Encourage students to work reasonably quickly and efficiently. Have a set time limit, which they should stick to. There is generally little point slogging away once they become frustrated or tired. Give them an egg-timer or use a clock and get them to work hard for small chunks of time. A little work each night is more productive than packing it into one weekly session.
4. Help children decide the best time to do homework and then encourage them to stick to those times. Maybe on some days homework is tackled after dinner for any number of reasons. If having homework done straight adter school is important to you then consider feeding children ONLY after homework is completed. Food can be a huge motivator for some children!!! (As mentioned in point 1 it is important that there is a homework routine, but the timing can vary.)
5. Establish a good working environment for students. Make sure they have a quiet area away from distractions that is well lit and with good ventilation. A table or desk makes a good workspace, although don’t be surprised if they spread work out all over the kitchen table. Some kids hate to be stuck away in their rooms and prefer to work at the kitchen table and can do so productively. Others are easily distracted and work in short bursts. Work out what is best for YOUR child.
6. Use the motivating research tool of the 21st Century - the Internet. It is quick, convenient and gives access to huge amounts of information. Nevertheless, children should still know how to access information from more traditional means such as books. Check with your child’s teacher as to their specific recommendations and preferences.
7. Encourage children to get organised by thinking ahead and planning their homework around their extra-curricular activities. A weekly planner or diary will help older students get organised. Assisting children to become organised is perhaps the best way parents can help at home.
8. If you are helping a child with a particular task, keep your explanation as simple and practical as you can. If you become upset or frustrated and the atmosphere becomes tense then stop helping.
9. Be realistic and don’t expect to solve all homework difficulties. When in doubt send a note to your child’s teacher letting him or her know the problem. The teacher will appreciate this good communication.
10. If you have concerns about the how much homework your child is set or the level of difficulty of homework contact the teacher and arrange a time to discuss your worries. Such discussion is the basis of true partnership between you and your child’s teacher.
Homework hassles have always been around and always will be. The place of homework is routinely questioned by education authorities (now is currently one of those times in Australia) but my gut reaction is that children will always have homework. The name may change and the activities may vary but it will always be homework.
I urge schools to make sure homework is varied, interesting, engaging and purposeful for children and parents.
Parents also need to be patient with both children (if they struggle) and schools that are trying to find a balance between too little and too much in these busy times.
For more practical ideas, free parenting courses and resources to help you raise confident kids and resilient teenagers visit www.parentingideas.com.au. While you are there subscribe to Happy Kids Michael Grose’s free email newsletter and receive thought-provoking, up-to-date, practical information about children and parenting in your inbox each fortnight.
Michael Grose is a leading parenting educator. He is the author of six books and 300 columns, and gives over 100 presentations a year.
For more practical ideas, free parenting courses and resources to help you raise confident kids and resilient teenagers visit http://www.parentingideas.com.au
While you are there subscribe to Happy Kids Michael Grose’s free email newsletter and receive thought-provoking, up-to-date, practical information about children and parenting in your inbox each fortnight.
Add to Your Social Bookmarks:
Del.icio.us
Furl
Reddit
Simpy
Spurl
Y! MyWeb - Netscape
Got my 303rd find this morning! in General Chatter - Knight, Fri 25-Jul-08 (201 Replies)
Back from a quick trip in General Chatter - BrendaB, Fri 25-Jul-08 (9 Replies)
Looking for some ideas for new geocoins. in General Chatter - Knight, Fri 25-Jul-08 (0 Replies)
Phone Support Representative - Unresearched in Working From Home - WorkAtHomeSpace, Fri 25-Jul-08 (0 Replies)
Outbound Tele-Sales - Charlotte - Unresearched in Working From Home - WorkAtHomeSpace, Fri 25-Jul-08 (0 Replies)
What exactly are the options for a mom to make money at home?
Unfortunately, there are scams everywhere – some you may have heard of sound too good to be true – and they usually are. Oftentimes, women lose a lot of money before they even find a legitimate opportunity, let alone one that they love.
Below, you’ll find a list of popular work from home options. They all have benefits and drawbacks. What may be great for one woman may not even be of interest to another woman.
And, of course, research thoroughly before signing any contract. Yes,
there are bunches of great, legitimate possibilities out there waiting
for you, but you might have to say ‘no’ to a few first before you find the perfect home business for you.
Direct Sales (MLM)
Why we love it: Where else can you get a business in a box? Seriously, the products have already been made and tested, all the marketing has been created for you, and you are set up on the road to management if you wish. You can see why Direct Sales can be a great way to make money, especially if you find a product, sponsor and company that you love!
Why it might not be for you: If the thought of sales makes you turn green from nausea, you might want to consider other options.
Internet Auctions
Why we love it: It doesn’t get much simpler than online auctions. Sell your worn clothing or used toys. Or, if you’ve got a knack for pricing, you might find some great items at a garage sale that you can turn over for a profit on online auctions.
Why it might not be for you: Is your house already too small for you and your family? If you don’t have room to store inventory, then online auctions might not be the business for you.
Start a Home Business
Why we love it: No matter what your interest is, you can start a business. Sell products or promote a service that makes life easier for other people. Whether you’re considering making crafts or becoming a massage therapist, if you’ve got the entrepreneurial spirit, then go for it!
Why it might not be for you: Starting from scratch can be a lot of work with little pay in the beginning. So, really invest a lot of time and energy into research, if you are considering this option.
Internet Marketing:
Why we love it: Low start up cost and a lot of flexibility. Internet marketing (selling products online, promoting other people’s products, or providing an online service) really is a great option for a lot of moms.
Why it might not be for you: Internet marketing has a learning curve, just like any other type of business. Anyone who’s ever had a website knows that “if you build it they will come” is not necessarily true. You have to promote, tweak, test, and learn constantly if you want to become a success in Internet Marketing. It is definitely possible and it is a great option, but don’t go into it thinking you don’t need to invest time and money in yourself and in your business. You do.
Surveys for Cash
Why we love it: Yes, there really are companies that will pay you to take surveys. In all honesty, you aren’t going to get rich taking surveys, and you’ll spend a lot of time for little money in most cases. But, if you enjoy hanging out on the computer and think it would be fun to do some surveys while you’re chatting with your friends on IM, then it isn’t a bad way to make a few extra dollars here and there. Just be sure to sign up with a free email account (like hotmail or yahoo) so you don’t get flooded with SPAM!
Why it might not be for you: If time is short or you need to make a lot of money for your family, then spend your time on something else. Surveys aren’t going to pay your bills. Also, there are some scams that charge you for a list of surveys. Be careful.
These are just a few of the many options to make money from home. Follow your heart. Start on the path today to make your dreams come true.
ShowKidsTheFun: Nicole Dean invites you to visit her site ShowMomtheMoney.com where you'll find... • Free Surveys that Pay Cash http://www.showmomthemoney.com/funandfree.asp • Home Business Ideas http://www.showmomthemoney.com/businessideas.asp • Affiliate Programs for Moms http://www.showmomthemoney.com/affiliates.asp
Do you like freebies? Perhaps this week's free offer will interest you:
McAfee VirusScan 9.0 2005 (compare at $39.99) FREE with any purchase over $10. - Ends 9/17/2005
If you offer a freebie, let me know! I will consider it for inclusion here and in the freebie section of the website.
Want to find more free offers? Search here to see if there's a freebie for your needs.
Make bundles of Cash on Google P/T F/T
Let us tell you about people who are doing it and how you
can do it too… It's fast, easy and can be done from home
part or full time (no previous experience necessary).
Click here to start making money on Google.
Site Map - Press Room - Disclaimer - Disclosure
Copyright © 2003-2008 Stephanie Foster unless otherwise indicated
Get all this FREE...right now!
