Video games are great fun but what do you do when your child would rather play than do their homework? Here are some things to try.
1. Admit that video games are much more fun than doing homework.
Trying to tell your child that they are not having fun is not going to work. Admit that games are fun, and can be educational, but that homework has to be done.
2. Set limits on homework time.
Notice, I said homework time, not video game time. If your child knows that in an hour or so he or she can get back to the game they may be more amenable to starting homework.
3. Learn what the game is about.
Your child is more likely to accept your instructions to do homework if they know that you know how much fun the game is. You might even offer to play with your child when homework is finished!
4. Don’t denigrate game playing
Your child is going to play video games, just accept it and go with the flow.
5. Make sure your child understands the need to do homework.
Too many kids think that homework is just something to do to please the teacher. Explain that homework has a purpose ( you know what that is of course!)
6. Check that their homework does have a purpose.
Sometimes (often?) teachers set homework because they think they are expected to. This is NOT a good reason and children should never be made to do this kind of homework.
7. Praise your child
Tell him or her that you know how hard it can be to stop doing something you enjoy to do something that you don’t enjoy so much. But that is how life works and you are pleased that they are learning this.
8. Work out which is best – homework or gaming?
Not all homework is beneficial, not all gaming is mindless – enough said?
9. Know when you have to compromise.
Don’t get into a ‘My way or the highway’ argument. Listen to what your child has to say and be prepared to change your ‘rules’.
10. Oh, I forgot to tell you about rules!
Well, maybe next time.
Have fun gaming with your child.
About PatriciaPorter
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