School is officially back in session, which means the daily routine of homework has returned. While homework reinforces what kids learn in the classroom, it also serves a bigger purpose: helping young children build self-management skills like setting goals, planning ahead, staying focused, and learning what routines work best for them.
Lori Wilson, Ph.D., Lead Psychologist at JF&CS who specializes in psychoeducational testing, shares four practical strategies parents can use to help their children build confidence and independence this year.
1. Focus on Goal Setting
Empower your child by encouraging them to take on age-appropriate responsibilities. You might say, "Last year, I unpacked your backpack and pulled out your folders for you. This year, your job is to get your assignments out and ready on your own." Giving them ownership of small steps builds long-term independence.
2. Host a Planning Session
Before diving straight into assignments, talk through the game plan together: ask your child what homework they have, which task they want to tackle first, what comes next, and whether they will need a quick break. When children have a say in planning their workload, they feel a sense of control. That makes finishing far more satisfying.
3. Run a Study Experiment
If your child struggles to get started, turn study time into a mini science project. Suggest trying different approaches: "Let's do an experiment. This week, we will tackle the hardest assignment first to get it out of the way. Next week, we will start with the easiest task. Afterward, you can tell me which way felt better." You can even time their study sessions each day to review the results together.
4. Plan a Reward System
Encourage your child to choose a positive milestone to look forward to once their work is done. Let them select their own reward, whether that means reading a favorite book, playing outside, or enjoying twenty minutes of screen time. Having a clear end goal keeps motivation high.
Knowing When to Seek Additional Support
Every child learns differently, and occasional homework struggles are completely normal. However, if your child consistently struggles with focus, organization, or time management, targeted support can make a world of difference:
- Executive Function Coaching: For hands-on help building daily study habits, managing multi-step assignments, or staying organized. Dr. Marlena Reese works directly with older students and provides practical routines for parents of younger learners. No formal evaluation required.
- Psychoeducational Evaluations: If you suspect deeper learning differences or want a comprehensive understanding of how your child processes information, Dr. Wilson and her team provide expert testing to identify their unique learning profile.
Building strong homework habits takes time and patience, but with the right routines and support, your child can thrive this school year. Get started today.