How to get your child to stop wasting time and concentrate on getting their homework finished.

No one likes homework! It is really easy for a child to daydream or find something else that they want to do rather than finishing their work.  This just prolongs the time it takes to get homework finished and can be frustrating for parents who see their child wasting time.

But there are some things you can do to help your child concentrate on their work and get it finished in a timely manner.

First, young children cannot concentrate for the same amount of time as older children and they need frequent breaks.  This is especially true if your child is Body Smart, he or she will need breaks that get rid of some of their pent up energy. Even older children need breaks, but then you need to make sure that they can refocus on their work.

When your child finds it difficult to concentrate and get their work finished try using one of these ways to help them refocus.

1.  Before starting, get your child to make a plan of how they will do their work, what they will do first and how long it will take. This will help keep them on track.

2. Make a list of the work they have to do and check it off when it has been completed.  There is no better feeling than acknowledging when work has been done!

3.  Eliminate distractions.  Turn off the music unless your child is People Smart or Music Smart.  These two types can handle music in the background as they work – children who are smart in other ways find it a distraction.

4.  Set a timer.  This helps children work to a schedule. If your child needs more time you need to find out why and how you can help.

5.  Provide small treats for finished work.  I know, I normally advise against giving children physical rewards for finished work but if you keep it small, one cookie or a drink of juice, it works.

6.  Schedule breaks.  Your child is going to need breaks so make sure that there is something he or she can do in the break that does not take too long and stop your child refocusing on their work.  A quick chat about how things are going is fine, as is some sort of exercise.

7. Limit homework time.  When children know that they have to have their work finished by a certain time they will try to keep to that time. They will also be able to see an end to their work.  But you have to enforce this, you have to stop your child working at the set time so that he or she knows that the deadline means something.

8.  Make sure that your child has the energy he or she needs to be able to concentrate. School days can be exhausting and your child will need to replenish his energy. Children need a few minutes rest and something to eat or drink before they start their work.

9.  Praise their efforts, catch your child being good. Whenever you see that your child is concentrating and trying to get his work finished be sure to comment on the fact and let him know that he is working well.

10.  Know when to let go.  Children find it almost impossible to concentrate when they are upset, excited, or worried about something.  If this is the case, give up, wait until your child is more settled to get him to finish his work!