These days anxiety is a well known concern among people of all age groups and backgrounds. There’s social anxiety, separation anxiety, school anxiety, isolation anxiety and the list goes on. Have you ever heard of homework anxiety? It’s actually a real thing. Most kids hate homework and it will probably be a battle you fight with your child at some point or another. However, for some kids, homework triggers anxious feelings. You may wonder how you would know if your kid is just trying to avoid homework or if they have legitimate anxiety.
Here are some signs that your child may be struggling with homework anxiety:
-Find excuses to avoid homework
-Deny having homework or forget it at school.
-Always seem angry about homework
-They are moody or grumpy after school
-Complain not feeling well after school or before homework time. Kids might legitimately have physical symptoms such as stomachaches when they are stressed about homework.
-Cry easily or seem overly sensitive when doing homework
-Seem afraid of making even small mistakes
-They shut down and don’t want to talk after school
-Often say “I can’t do it!” before even trying
If you notice these behaviors at homework time, they may be dealing with anxiety associated with homework specifically. There are strategies you can try to help.
1. Talk to them. Ask questions to find out if there are specific subjects or types of homework that they are nervous about.
2. Create a homework space. With your child’s input, choose an area that has few distractions and make it a device free zone. Ask your child what would make it comfortable. Have calming music available in the area. Allow your child to use headphones if it helps them tune out distractions.
3. Designate a time of day that homework is done. Trying to get it done right after school may help reduce anxiety since they won’t be thinking about it all night which could increase anxiety. If you wait until too late, they may be tired which could also be a trigger for anxious behavior.
4. Stay organized. Have your child’s assignment book or list of assignments at the homework spot. As they complete each item, have them check it off.
5. Manage time. Use a timer and set it for 10-20 minutes (less for younger children, more for older) After the timer goes off allow your child to take a break, have a snack, move around. The smaller chunks of time will seem more manageable for your child. Consider a special treat at the end when they are all finished.
6. Begin with the easiest task. This will give them the confidence to continue on.
7. Try calming strategies. Deep breathing, stress toys and calming music can all help if their nerves start to take over.
8. Talk to their teacher. They may be struggling picking up concepts in certain areas and the teacher can clue you in if this is the case. They may be helpful in offering specific guidance for different homework activities that they assign.
Implement these strategies for 4-6 weeks on a consistent basis. If your child continues to struggle after that time, you may want to consult with their doctor. There could be a problem that you are not equipped to manage at home. However, your time is definitely not wasted in trying these things. These strategies are helpful to make homework time run smoother for any child.
