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So here we go. I usually have 2-3 hours of homework a night at the most right now (and fingers crossed that it doesn’t get any longer!). I am now done with field hockey season, so that has freed up my schedule a lot. I do lots of babysitting now, and that has taken up most of my time with school work too now.
Doing My Homework NOT at Home:
What I have come to realize is doing homework NOT at home has been a big help. Not that I don’t like my home or anything, but I am more productive when I am away from any distractions that I might be tempted to linger towards. For example, the television (and I don’t really watch t.v but it is something other than homework), getting distracted by my very adorable puppy, my family doing whatever they may do, and stuff like that. I also just know if I’m away from my house doing homework, and had a plan to DO homework somewhere else that I will do homework wherever I go.
These places include the library, Starbucks (but Starbucks can get loud if you don’t have headphones on), my school library or guidance office, and my moms office. Now, many of you probably have kids that cannot drive and stay by themselves in these places. If you have a nice quiet office around your child’s homework time, it really is beneficial to go there. You parents can be in the next room working on whatever yourself, and be right there for your child if he/she would have any questions. Same goes for the library, Starbucks, or any of these places. I have to say, it's extremely helpful for me, and I take advantage of this
A plan of the Time I Spend on Homework:
A plan of the Time I Spend on Homework:
I give myself a time of how long I will work on homework as well which helps me be productive. It helps so I don’t have to look at the fact that I have English, Math, and Science to do. I look at time instead. For example, I’ll tell myself that I will do homework for 2 hours, from 7pm-9pm.
NOTICE: I did not say that I would work on math for an hour, and science for another. Just “homework” for two hours. For me, that is a stressful thing to say. I was never a fan of timed-tests or anything like that. If you just say homework, that will give you, or your child a wide chunk of time to work on whatever they want for however long it will take them. Reading may take longer than Math will, so be careful of those little words so you don’t stress yourself or your child out.
For younger kids you may say 45 minutes or an hour. -- Whatever they may have left after that time, give them at least 15 minute break or whatever you think in reasonable to your child’s needs before you quickly finish up whatever. OR if they have a sports practice or something, continue after that. I usually give myself enough time for a “bathroom break”, fix a snack, sit down and play a quick game on my phone, and then that usually relaxes my brain. -- The game is important though. I know it gives me a processing break from all of the school stuff I’ve been processing for those 2 hours. VERY helpful! BUT make sure you don’t spend another 45 minutes or however long you spent initially on homework if you notice you or your child is not able to focus very well. Enough is enough. I know it’s important for your child to finish all the homework, but you will only make them tired for the next day and he or she will have a hard time focusing in school. For those parents that are experts about APD, you will then know the tired cycle will begin, and your kid will get behind if you don’t give your child enough down time.
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So, those are my two big things I do to manage my time for doing homework, and doing homework well. I hope this is helpful, and as always I love your questions!
NOTICE: I did not say that I would work on math for an hour, and science for another. Just “homework” for two hours. For me, that is a stressful thing to say. I was never a fan of timed-tests or anything like that. If you just say homework, that will give you, or your child a wide chunk of time to work on whatever they want for however long it will take them. Reading may take longer than Math will, so be careful of those little words so you don’t stress yourself or your child out.
For younger kids you may say 45 minutes or an hour. -- Whatever they may have left after that time, give them at least 15 minute break or whatever you think in reasonable to your child’s needs before you quickly finish up whatever. OR if they have a sports practice or something, continue after that. I usually give myself enough time for a “bathroom break”, fix a snack, sit down and play a quick game on my phone, and then that usually relaxes my brain. -- The game is important though. I know it gives me a processing break from all of the school stuff I’ve been processing for those 2 hours. VERY helpful! BUT make sure you don’t spend another 45 minutes or however long you spent initially on homework if you notice you or your child is not able to focus very well. Enough is enough. I know it’s important for your child to finish all the homework, but you will only make them tired for the next day and he or she will have a hard time focusing in school. For those parents that are experts about APD, you will then know the tired cycle will begin, and your kid will get behind if you don’t give your child enough down time.
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So, those are my two big things I do to manage my time for doing homework, and doing homework well. I hope this is helpful, and as always I love your questions!
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