How to create a good homework/life balance

A love of learning may come naturally to your child but too much and it could be detrimental to their education. Like most of us, children find doing too much of one thing can rapidly become boring or frustrating. So, it is important to find the balance between them enjoying studying and simply enjoying being a kid, whether that means racing around the garden, watching some TV or playing a game purely for the fun of playing it.

In a study conducted by the London University’s Institute of Education, researchers found that homework can cause problems in family life, with rows superseding any educational benefits. The research also found that children can begin to resent the amount of time set for homework in relation to free time.

Guidelines set by the Government recommend, “A good, well organised homework programme helps children and young people to develop the skills and attitudes they will need for successful, independent lifelong learning. Homework supports the development of independent learning skills, so enquiry and investigation are seen as part of the learning process.”

The study also found that the highest achieving schools had pupils who spent more time on learning activities at home. But they also suggest that homework should not get in the way of other clubs, such as sports and music.

The study recommends that every school has a clear homework policy available to parents that set out guidelines as to what is expected, what is manageable and what is educationally beneficial. Knowing what is expected should help you set time apart for homework, play and family time, ensuring that none encroaches on the other so that you can make and maintain a healthy study/life balance for your children.