Tips for dealing with a child who refuses to do their homework

a child refusing to do homework

As a parent, it can be frustrating and exhausting when your child refuses to do their homework. It’s hard to know what to do and where to turn for help.

In this post, we will outline some tips that can help you deal with your child’s homework refusal.

Make it fun

One way to get your child excited about doing their homework is to make it fun. Here are a few ways:

  • Find a homework buddy. Working with a friend can make homework more enjoyable.
  • Take a break. Allow your child to take a five-minute break after every 30 minutes of work.
  • Make it a competition. See who can finish their work first amongst your children and come up with a fun award for the winner.
Set a good example

One of the best things you can do to help your child with their homework is to set a good example. If they see that you take your work seriously and make an effort to complete it on time, they’re more likely to do the same.

Make sure you have a designated homework space in your home and try to stick to a regular study schedule. Avoid distractions by muting your phone and turning off the television when your kids are scribbling away, and be sure to praise your child when they make progress.

Get help from a tutor
home tuition

Image Credits: tuitionhero.sg

If your child is refusing to do their homework, it might be time to get help from a tutor. A tutor can provide support and guidance, and help your child develop good study habits.

If you’re looking for a tutor, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, make sure you find a tutor who is qualified and experienced. Secondly, make sure you find a tutor who is a good fit for your child. Some tutors are better with visual learners, while others are better with auditory learners.

Finally, be prepared to invest in tutoring. Tutoring can be expensive in the long run, but it can be worth it if it helps your child get good grades and improve their academic performance over time.

Change up the routine

It can be frustrating when your child refuses to do their homework but don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many parents face this struggle every day. One way is to try and change up the routine a bit. If your child has always completed their homework in the same spot, at the same time every day, try mixing things up a bit. Maybe let them do it in another room, or at a different time of day.

As mentioned briefly earlier on, you can also try letting them work with a friend or sibling. This can help make the homework process more fun and exciting, and it also provides some built-in accountability. If your child knows that they have to complete their homework to spend time on their favorite video game, they’re more likely to do it!

Keep a positive attitude

It can be tough to keep a positive attitude when your child is refusing to do their homework, but it’s necessary to stay calm and supportive. Here are a few tips to help you out:

  • Try not to get mad or annoyed. This will only make the situation worse.
  • Keep a cheery attitude and show your child that you believe they can do it.
  • Encourage them to take short breaks, but make sure they don’t spend too long goofing around!
  • Ensure your child has a conducive, designated workspace and sufficient time to complete their homework.
Don’t do their homework for them
a parent writing while a child looks on

Image Credits: letgrow.org

One of the most crucial things to remember when your child is refusing to do their homework is not to do it for them. This will only reinforce the behavior and make it harder for them to learn how to be responsible and autonomous.

Instead, try to provide them with as much aid and guidance as possible. Offer encouragement, set reasonable deadlines, and secure them a quiet and distraction-free workspace. And most crucially, stay optimistic and don’t get upset with them.

Know the difference between a bribe and a reward

Bribing our children rather than rewarding good behavior is one of the quick shortcuts most parents use. There could be a small discrepancy; a reward is anything that is provided following a successful endeavor. When you negotiate with your child over a duty that is already theirs, you are bribing them.

Your kid will start to anticipate anything extra merely for doing something they are responsible for if you bribe them to complete their schoolwork or perform any other required task. Bribes weaken your power as a parent because your children will learn that they can manipulate you by threatening to behave badly. Bribes give your child control over you.

There will come a time in every child’s education when they will refuse to do their homework. It can be frustrating and overwhelming for parents when this happens. But don’t worry. Bookmark this article and refer to the tactics mentioned every now and then to help you deal with a child who refuses to do their homework.

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How to avoid raising a spoiled child

a young girl rolling her eyes

You’re a new parent, and you want to do everything you can to make sure your child doesn’t turn out spoiled.

But how can you make sure of that? It’s not always easy, especially since there are so many things that can lead to a child becoming overly pampered.

In this post, we will give you some tips on how to avoid raising a spoiled child. Follow these tips, and you will be on your way to parenting a well-adjusted, grateful little being.

What is a spoiled child?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, nonetheless, there are some general characteristics that most spoiled children share. Typically, they are demanding, insensitive to the feelings of others, and used to getting their way. They often have a sense of entitlement and can be quite manipulative.

If you’re worried that you might be raising a spoiled child, it’s important to nip the behavior in the bud early on. Try to instill good values in your child from an early age, and set clear rules on what is and isn’t acceptable behavior. Most importantly, make sure that you’re modeling good behavior yourself.

How to avoid spoiling your child
a young boy demanding his way

Image Credits: someecards.com

Here are some of the many ways to avoid spoiling your child:

  • Stand your ground

Allowing your child to regularly breach the boundaries you establish just serves to reinforce their negative behavior. Set some rules and expectations for your family, even if they are simple ones. Love will come after earning their respect and showing them respect concurrently.

  • Never give in to meltdowns

No one parent enjoys listening to a child throw a fit, whether it’s because they won’t leave a playground or because their preschooler smashes the door because they can’t get their hands on their new favorite toy. But, giving in is even worse. A child’s “success” is the major reason they will continue to experience meltdowns. If you don’t give in to their tantrums, they will eventually halt.

  • Shower praises when it’s due

It is crucial to encourage your child to attempt things they are interested in doing, but fail. Be sure to support them without complimenting them excessively. Assure your kid of the numerous other skills they possess if they seem dejected at being bad at a task. Ask them to consider how various people, including their friends, are adept at multiple things. Explain that our uniqueness is what makes us special and wonderful.

Consequences of raising a spoiled child

There are several consequences to raising a spoiled child. First and foremost, it can lead to entitlement and a sense of privilege, which can be very damaging in the long run. Spoiled kids often expect everything to be handed to them on a silver platter and grow up thinking that the world revolves around them. This can lead to a lot of problems when they enter adulthood and have to deal with the real world.

Another consequence of spoiling your child is that it can upset their emotional development. When kids are constantly given everything they want, they never learn how to cope with frustration or disappointment. This can lead to problems forming relationships and coping with everyday stressors later in life.

Finally, spoiling your child can have serious financial consequences. If you’re not careful, you could find yourself raising a child who expects everything to be given to them for free and is unable to take care of themselves when they’re adults. It’s essential to remember that spoiling your child isn’t free—it will cost in the long run!

How to fix it if you have already spoiled your child
a mom praising her child

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Now that you know how to avoid spoiling your child, let’s take a look at how to fix the damage if you have already done so. The first step is admitting that you have an issue to solve! Once you acknowledge that your child has been spoiled, you can start taking steps to correct the problem.

If your child is used to getting everything they want and isn’t used to being told no, it might be tough for them to adjust at first. But with time and patience, they will learn that there are other things in life besides just getting what they want. You can help teach them this by setting rules and limits while enforcing them consistently.

It’s also crucial to start verbally praising your child for good behavior, rather than giving them material things every time they behave well. This will help them learn that behaving well results in positive outcomes other than physical gifts, which is a lesson they will carry with them into adulthood.

Your children will be prepared for a better, more positive future if you play an active role in parenting throughout their formative years to prevent over-pampering scenarios. Your methodical approach to disciplinary practices will aid in the development of many positive qualities, such as love, patience, and compassion. No one is consistent all the time, obviously, but once you begin applying the abovementioned tips, you will be astounded at how rapidly your child’s conduct can advance.

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Signs that you are overfeeding your baby

a baby drinking milk

We spend far too much time worrying about whether or not our newborns are getting sufficient, and as new parents, it can be difficult to know when enough is enough.

Many parents may try to get their newborn to finish their formula or fret that their child isn’t eating enough when, in fact, the child has reached their limit. So, could all that fretting contribute to overfeeding?

It’s important to remember that the indicators of a healthy newborn can vary depending on the culture. Varied cultures have different views on how much a baby should eat, how frequently they should eat, and how they should appear. A chubby infant can be regarded as a job well done by some grandparents, while a roly-poly newborn conjures up images of a grossly overweight toddler in the minds of others.

While cultural views of a healthy baby may differ, there are several factors to take into account when it comes to feeding. Read on to learn the signs that you are overfeeding your baby.

Sleep issues

First up, it’s probably not a surprise that when a baby’s belly is extended far beyond normal, or that his or her intestinal tract is working continuously to deal with excessive nutritional ingestion, they become restless and have trouble falling asleep.

Runny poops

Examining the look of your baby’s poo is an important part of determining their health. Formula-fed babies, for example, have peanut butter-like excrement that ranges in hue from yellow to greenish-brown. Your formula-fed kid may be getting more milk than they should if you notice regular, watery poop.

Spits or vomits
an infant vomiting

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As a newborn eats, his or her tummy expands and contracts as the food passes through the intestines. There are, nonetheless, limitations to how far it can extend. If the baby’s stomach membrane stretches beyond its typical range, reflux may occur, which can result from little spit-ups to huge forceful vomits, either during or immediately after the meal.

Drinking more than 1000ml/day

Even one-year-old infants don’t need more than 900ml of formula milk or breast milk every day. A newborn requiring over 1000ml in a day is uncommon, according to specialists, and should be evaluated by a professional. These are the typical indicators of overfeeding, which can be seen during mealtimes. Overlooking them can lead to a variety of issues in the long run.

Overfeeding a newborn is unlikely, but it does happen. Babies self-regulate their eating and give hints when they are full or hungry, and you must be able to recognize and interpret these indicators to know when to stop feeding them. Keep in mind some of the warning flags highlighted in this post and all should be well.

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What to do when your child won’t sit still while eating

kids who can't sit still

If your child refuses to sit in their highchair or child seat, appears restless, wants to eat while sitting on your lap, or you constantly feel compelled to hunt them about with a spoon in your hand because they never come to a stop, you need tips to rebalance the situation.

There are several reasons why children should always remain seated while eating. The most essential reason is that it significantly reduces their risk of choking. It also establishes a habit and standard that we eat in distinct locations with specific behaviors. Sitting stationary can help your child concentrate on their food and connect with their appetite levels, which is crucial.

Stay on this page if you’re looking for suggestions on what to do when your child won’t sit still while eating.

Check the time

Toddlers should be fed every two to three hours, with only water between feedings. If your child is nibbling on a snack after an hour after the main meal, he or she may be less willing to sit down and finish up the next full meal. Eating can then become a true battle of wills if you don’t get the meal times correct.

Use a visual timer

A visible clock is a pleasant visual approach for your toddler to comprehend how long you require them to remain at the table. For instance, a sand timer is a superb solution for younger kids who can’t tell time yet, and at the same time, seeing the sand flow makes it an intriguing observation experience for them. Overall, this method gives them structure and makes them more conscious of what is anticipated of them at the dinner table.

Get them strapped
a child eating on his own

Image Credits: strong4life.com

If your child is under the age of three, a belted high chair, if they still fit, is strongly recommended. You will be waging a war until you can commence the feeding session in a buckled posture because most toddlers don’t have the focus and concentration in eating long enough to sit quietly. Already forgotten about child seats? Make every effort to retrieve them, even if it involves purchasing a new model. We assure you it’s going to be a worthy investment in this feeding phase.

Prepare sensory activities

Pre-meal sensory activities can be incredibly beneficial since they relax and order our minds, allowing us to concentrate on our tasks, which is eating in this context for your child. There are numerous sensory exercises available, ranging from sand play to balancing beams and more.

If you’re not sure which form of sensory stimulation your child will prefer, we recommend experimenting with both energetic and calm, relaxing sensory experiences. And the reaction you should be watching for is if they become more concentrated and sit quietly for longer periods during meal time. It may require some experimentation as well as commitment to achieve this.

For a multitude of reasons, your kid must remain seated throughout meals. A wiggly toddler who gets up and down from the table during mealtime is sidetracked and, like other diversions, will eat lesser altogether. Allowing your child to nibble their way through a meal while wandering can lead to power battles, fussy eating problems, and undisciplined and disruptive family meals. Nip the problem in the bud by heeding some of our abovementioned tips to see if it works for you.

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How to parent a rebellious teenager

a teenager smoking

Have you noticed that your teenager has started becoming defiant as they struggle to discover who they are and where they fit in society?

Yes, your lovely, affectionate child may seem alien to you now but that’s just part of the growing process. Prepare yourself as you may have to cope with further mood swings, rule-breaking, and other signs of a rebellious youth toward whatever authority figures present.

While coping with a rebellion may be draining, stressful, and plain challenging, there are methods to make it easier for all parties involved. You won’t be able to transform your kid with a snap of your fingers, but there are steps you can take to aid your teenager and yourself through this shift.

Here’s how to parent a rebellious teenager.

Respect

It may be quite irritating when children act rudely and disrespectfully toward their parents, teachers, or other people in authority. Regrettably, many people respond with rudeness and hostility, which is not the right way to approach the matter. You must mirror the conduct you wish to see as a grownup. Irrespective of what you teach, if your kid witnesses you behaving in a demeaning manner toward them, they will use it against you to justify their actions.

See the good
happy mother and daughter

Image Credits: swhelper.org

Positive feedback is a technique that may be used not only when your child is a preschooler, but also when he or she is a teenager. Make it a point to compliment your teenager on proper behavior. Showing your child that you are pleased, even if it is the tiniest action, can drive good conduct in the future.

Negative attention is sometimes the quickest form of attention for a headstrong teen to obtain. Your odds of your kid doing something right are limited if you just pay attention when he or she does something improper. Instead, focus on the positives, and the negative issues may go away.

Listen more than advice

The most effective technique to break past the barrier of teen disengagement is to listen more than you speak. When you provide counsel instead of listening more than 75% of the time, you’re interfering with a teen’s ability to take responsibility for their life.

Not to mention your body language. You’re not signaling that you’re aware of and sensitive if you’re preoccupied with anything or constantly scrolling on your smartphone. Put everything aside and focus on your child when conversing. However, some kids may be uneasy over eye contact and prefer to converse while looking away. If that’s the case, walking in the park or going for a short drive that does not involve direct eye contact may help.

Handling a rebellious teenager might feel like an absolute nightmare, but there is hope. Keep in mind that your teen’s early adulthood years are only a passing phase of his or her life. Communicating tenderly with your child now can pay off later in life by assisting him or her in developing appropriate coping skills and a better bond with you. Try the abovementioned tips and see if it works for you.

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