As parents, we have pretty much all been there (and if you haven’t, then we envy you!) – that grueling task of asking your child to go do their homework and being met with responses such as “Ughhhh,” “But I don’t want to,” “Do I have to?” or maybe even just, “Bruh.” Perhaps it’s the fact that the word homework has the word “work” in it that makes it sound so uninviting, but whatever the reason, this task is almost guaranteed to be met with a lack of enthusiasm.
The question is, how do we change that? Is there really a way we can help make the task of doing homework more fun for our child? While they may never jump for joy at the thought of the word, the ideas listed below might help them get more motivated at the very least!
Use these five tips as a guideline to set up a customized homework hub for your child!
1. Choose a quiet space in your home with good lighting. Guest rooms or offices work great for setting up homework stations, but if you don’t have the extra space, one of the most important things to remember is to keep the area as free from distractions as possible (away from tempting video games, TVs, etc.). Room dividers can also be added to a space to create a separate work area. Make sure the space has proper lighting in order to create a welcoming ambiance, or set the station up near a window, if possible, to take advantage of natural light.
2. Set up a desk or table that works well in the space. You can either use what you already have in your home, or if you do purchase something new, make sure to measure the space first. Desks with numerous drawers work great for storing stationery or separating different subjects and types of paperwork. Check out the ANFALLARE/ALEX desk from IKEA for reference. The Simply Tidy and Lexington rolling carts from Michaels have ample drawer space and can be set up next to any desk or table, too. Cube shelves can also be a great addition to a homework station – especially for older kids who may have bulky textbooks to store.
3. Involve your child in personalizing the space. Work alongside your child to help them create a space they will enjoy working in. Display some of their artwork, integrate their favourite colors, or add in items such as mini lockers or pegboards to store supplies. Take them shopping to pick out some cool stationery or notebooks, as the more fun and personalized the space is, the more likely they will be excited to spend time in it.
4. Incorporate calming elements into the space. The addition of plants, an extra comfy chair, noise-cancelling headphones, or maybe some fidget toys can all contribute to a more relaxing space where your child will be able to focus better and stay motivated. You can also add a visual timer to the station to help your child stay on track.
5. Set your child up with the right tools to keep their homework hub clutter-free and simple to maintain. Use drawer organizers inside desks to keep stationery and other supplies divided, to ensure that items are easy to find. Use letter trays to keep paper organized, and label any drawers or containers so different categories can quickly be identified. Stationery/pen organizers are also a great solution to keep desktop clutter contained if you are lacking drawer space.
A few final tips. Leave a recycling bin nearby to prevent any irrelevant paperwork from overflowing and ending up on the floor, and help instill independence and responsibility in your child by encouraging them to tidy up their workstation at the end of the day.
Lisa is a mom of two and a Trained Professional Organizer. She is the owner of Light at The End of The Clutter Professional Organizing Services in Calgary, Alberta. For more information, visit her Instagram page at Light at The End of The Clutter, or her website lightattheendoftheclutter.com.
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