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 evaluation, 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. Planning Session

Ask your child what they have for homework, what they would like to do first, second, third, and if they will need a break in between. Having a short planning session provides a daily opportunity to practice and build executive functioning skills. When children have a say in planning their workload, they feel a sense of control. and that makes finishing far more satisfying.

3. Experiment

If your child struggles to get started, turn study time into a mini science project. Suggest trying different approaches: "This week, why don't you tackle the hardest assignments first to get them out of the way. Next week, you can do the easiest ones first. That will help you figure out what works best for you." You can even time their study sessions each day to review the results together.

4. Celebrate Success

Encourage your child to choose something to look forward to once their work is done. This could be reading a favorite book, playing outside, or watching a television show. Having a clear end goal can help maintain motivation.

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.