Simplifying Our Homework Routine – For Life!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of CenturyLink. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Now that we are well into the routine of back to school, we are tackling the idea of homework. Jude is in first grade now which means he has homework every evening along with reading. There are a few evenings that we find ourselves really struggling to find a nice groove without a ton of fights or resistance from Jude. We decided we had to find ways to start simplifying our homework routine. Some of these tips have really helped us find that groove. They leave us happy and Jude excelling!

Simplifying Our Homework Routine – For Life!

Homework Space: Our house does not have a dedicated office currently. After a few days of Jude doing his homework on his bedroom floor we knew we needed to look for something different. Our solution for now is making the kitchen table the space that he will do his homework and reading. This allows for some structure and also a nice table top for him to really do well on his work. This also means having items available to him that he might need; tape, crayons, pencils, rulers, glue etc. Now that we have the space, we are creating a little caboodle for him so he can have his school supplies right there with him!

Homework Time: Set expectations of when homework should be worked on. This year is a bit different because Jude is having to do homework and Teagan is not. So, we make sure that Teagan finds something quiet to do while Jude needs to concentrate on his homework. That way it becomes a “family quiet time” which makes for a nice simple evening at home…most nights! HA!

Stand Firm: Kids are going to test boundaries when it comes to homework…no matter the age. Make it clear that homework must be complete or there will be consequences. We have decided to make it clear that if homework is not complete there will not be any electronics used the rest of the evening as well as the following day. Again, making clear expectations will lead to a better outcome since everyone is aligned on what needs to be done and what will happen if it isn’t done. Simple!

Sit with Your Young Kids: Since our homework space is in the kitchen it is easy for one of us to sit with Jude. It not only helps him stay focused but then we are there to help him if he has any questions. I do not want him to be secluded. I also have found that if I use this time to work on some of my own tasks like paying bills, answering emails or other computer work it shows that I also have to take time every evening to finish things for our family.

Don’t Forget the Fun! Take breaks and play. I never want my kids to come home from school and work on homework ALL night. They need some down time as well. Time to run around outside, visit with friends, watch a favorite TV show, or do some crafts. Let them be kids but make sure they stick to their homework schedule.

Don’t Do it for Them: Seriously, don’t be that parent. As a daughter of two teachers, I assure you, you are fooling no one….the teachers know when you do the work for the kids. Yes, your child may get the right answer, but they will miss out on the process of learning and the logic involved. You are only hurting your child in this process.

Be Tech Prepared! When I read that my 1st grader would be learning how to create a PowerPoint presentation this year, I was floored. Wow, we really are in the tech world and it does not matter how old OR young you are! Seeing this made me even more aware of how we need to updated our technology at home. For example, we are considering a new internet service.

CenturyLink Price For Life high speed internet service is the perfect option for families like ours. When I first heard about Price For Life I was very interested because due to my work and now the evolving homework we will be seeing for years to come, we need great internet but need to stay on budget as well. The new service is priced for life, literally, the rates stay the same as long as you keep your plan and stay at the same address. No contract, no bundling needed, no rate hikes and non-promotional pricing! Plus, one simple bill each month and you will be backed by the premium customer service only CenturyLink provides.

Learning about this great Price For Life option with CenturyLink has me ready to commit and be ready for years to come. CenturyLink seems to understand families. We need options like this so can provide the best for our kids. Over the years I have enjoyed working with CenturyLink in the community which is another reason we are excited to be Price For Life customers. CenturyLink has long supported education and the technology that fuels learning by supporting several education initiatives in Colorado communities. CenturyLink Backpack Buddies Food Drive is also continuing again this year. Employees and community members join together to raise funds and awareness to help community food banks fight hunger in our local communities. Already this year, in Colorado, CenturyLink has raised more than $135,000 for this program. That is fantastic news for Colorado!!!

For more information about CenturyLink, Price For Life and our commitment to education, visit the CenturyLink website.

How have you worked towards simplifying your kid’s homework routines this school year?

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