End Homework Hassles

Your Kid's Homework Personality.

Homework Personality

Little girl using a computer // "End Homework Hassles"

Some kids settle down and get through their math and spelling without the tiniest bit of whining or angst. But those kids are usually the ones you see on TV.
To help your child make it through his assignments, try to figure out his "homework personality," says Mel Levine, M.D., a pediatrician and founder of the nonprofit All Kinds of Minds.

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The Perfectionist

Boy doing homework with parent in the background // "End Homework Hassles"

It doesn't matter what the assignment is, it's never good enough, never long enough, or the teacher will hate what he's done.

What to do: Try putting a time limit on homework sessions, and make sure you know what the project is so you can assure him he's done all he needs to.

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The Wanderer

Boy holding his homework and looking at the window // "End Homework Hassles"

You're tempted to glue him to his chair. Whether he's meandering in to see what's for dinner or crashing his sibling's playdate, he can't sit still.

What to do: "One of the hardest places for kids to focus is in their bedroom," Levine says. Some do better if they can change locations every 15 minutes, or will be less apt to take "breaks" if they're around the rest of the family. Others can't stand silence: Listening to music (but TV's not ideal) can help them concentrate.

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The Procrastinator

Girl sitting on a chair with homework not finished // "End Homework Hassles"

"I can't get him to say a word about his day when he gets home from school," says Anne Chapman of Westerly, RI, about her third-grader, William, "but when it comes time for homework, he wants to chat about math class, his friends, even global warming!"

What to do: If your child has trouble getting down to business, it can mean she's anxious or overwhelmed, so help her break down the work. "On Sunday night, make a schedule for the week," Levine says. Put her assignments on a calendar so she can check things off.

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The Speed Demon

Mom holding child and talking to her other son who's doing homework // "End Homework Hassles"

For the speed demon, homework is but a pit stop on the road to the TV or computer.

What to do: "Never give an incentive for finishing homework quickly," says Levine. Instead, decide on a set amount of time your child is required to study. If he finishes his homework early, he can read.

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