Homework Overload

According to a study conducted by the University of Michigan, children now have 51% more homework than kids had 25 years ago.  My son is in 6th grade and stays in school for 8 hours.  He usually gets home tired and sleepy with 3 or more homeworks to do.  He rarely goes home with just one or no homework at all.  It’s bonus for him when he does.

I recently read an article about how to end homework hassles and found the tips effective.  I’m sure I’m not the only one having problems with homework overload so I’d like to share it with you.

Don’t let them start with their homework right away and get help from the “ha” breath first.  Tell your kids to stand and raise both arms overhead as he inhales, then have him bend forward with arms and head hanging toward the floor as he exhales through his mouth with a loud “ha” sound.  Repeat 10 times.  Experts say, the forceful exhalation helps clear the lungs of stale carbon dioxide.  The process allows for deeper breaths that optimally oxygenate every cell in the body, increasing energy and alertness.

Familiar music can help increase your child’s concentration.  If he is easily distracted by noise, put on his favorite music in the background while he studies.  According to William Stixrud, Ph. D., familiar tune functions like white noise and block out distractions.  He says, when the mind is accustomed to a piece of music, the subconscious brain processes it, leaving the conscious mind free to focus on the homework.  Listening to a favorite song ups the release of dopamine which increases the ability to focus.

When your kid is tired and feeling lazy to do his homework, give him a red pen and ask him to draw a few triangles that point upward.  Ask him to focus on making each triangle tall with a narrow base.  Repeatedly making the upward pointing motion sends a message to the brain to take action.  A handwriting expert explains that within moments your child will be filled with inspiration and raring to go.