Step 1: Plan and Prioritize
Start with calendars for everyone and one big family calendar posted in a central location. School agendas are a great opportunity to teach students how to organize their lives. I believe beginning in 2^nd grade, students should learn to carry agendas w/calendars. They should mark all important things including personal appointments on their calendar. The teacher as well as the parent should review and discuss the use of the calendar on a regular basis to ensure understanding and promote the “habit”. Peter Drucker, a noted management expert, “doing the right thing is effective; doing things right is efficient. Focus first on effectiveness (identifying what is the right thing to do), then concentrate on efficiency ( doing it right).” Begin with daily To-Do List and expand to goal setting. To-Do List are prioritized lists of the entire task that need to be carried out. They list everything you have to do, with the most import task at the top of the list, and the least important at the bottom.

Step 2: Time and Things
Set aside an hour or two each night for homework (depending on the age of child). Designate a specific spot with specific items (not bed or in front of TV) for doing homework. Doing the same thing at the same time will help student to focus. A regular pattern can also mean fewer complaints when it's time to start.  Lee Canter’s Homework Tips can be helpful.  When you and your child review homework assignments, work with your child to establish a priority for completion. The length of task or due date can determine the priority. The Raising Children Network has good ideas about rituals and routines for your family.

Step 3:Conflicts and Completion
Conflict will arise. When your child has a ball game, scouts, friends, or fun that conflicts with school/ home responsibility, assist your child to mange this conflict. Avoid making the decision but give the child choice and consequences of their actions. Celebrate completion even the small ones. Stickers, treats, or special privileges can promote success. Ask your child what rewards they think suit the task. Just checking off the To-Do list with your child can be fun and rewarding. Use positive reinforcement to help accomplish task and goals. Georgia State Parks are an inexpensive reward for family fun.

Ann McGee-Cooper, "If we learn to balance excellence in work with excellence in play, fun, and relaxation, our lives become happier, healthier, and a great deal more creative."

Comments (1)

1. Great Timing Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , on 24-10-2008 08:16 Cynthia,    This post could not have come at a better time! My wife and I were just talking about printing and posting a To-Do List with goal setting in mind for our children (ages 5 and . This is an outstanding article with great resources and links!    Thanks for sharing!  Tony

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