Sometimes, kids don’t want to do their homework. They procrastinate, protest, or rush through it so that they can move on to something more exciting. But for some kids, it runs deeper; homework makes them feel anxious and very stressed.
It’s not easy to identify when your child is having anxiety about homework. You can ask them about it, but sometimes it’s tough for them to recognize what they are feeling or they may not want to discuss it.
What does homework anxiety look like?
Homework anxiety can start in the lower grades and affect any kid. This challenge is particularly difficult for a child who is already struggling in school. Kids get anxious and worry for a variety of different reasons, and express it in different ways.
Kids with homework anxiety may:
Find excuses not to do homework
Immediately say “I can’t do it!” even before trying
Be afraid of making even the smallest mistake
Lie about homework being completed
Get angry, especially when it comes to homework
Get upset easily or seem overly sensitive
Why do kids get homework anxiety?
Kids can get homework anxiety when they are struggling with their schoolwork. They believe they can’t do it, or feel they don’t have the right support to get it done outside of school. They also may be anxious about falling behind the rest of the class.
Other factors such a test prep (the name in itself makes it sound very important), may heighten homework anxiety. For kids who have a hard time managing emotions, homework can be a stress trigger too. Perfectionism can be another factor; kids who do very well in a particular subject may worry that their work won’t be “good enough”.
How we can help
First and foremost, speaking to your child’s teacher can give you some insight in to what is happening during the school day. Is there a specific subject that’s proven challenging? Is it homework that involves a particular area, such as writing? Asking detailed questions can help you get a better grasp on what’s going on.
Give your child “brain breaks” during homework time. Giving your child a break during the time they are doing homework can help relieve frustration. Taking small breaks also helps children learn how to self-regulate when they are beginning to feel fed up or overwhelmed. Feeling things starting to escalate? Take a short break - run up and down the driveway and do 10 jumping jacks!
Let your child know it’s okay to stop working for the night. Sleep very much affects how kids learn and cope with stress. Kids needs a lot of sleep. Being alert, well rested and ready to learn is essential. Your child will likely be in a better frame of mind and more energized in the morning to finish their homework from the night before.
Lastly, remember that some kids with homework anxiety may get anxious about other things. Tune in to when your child displays anxious behavior and what they were doing before getting anxious.
Every student has a different learning style. For an individualized plan customized to your child's needs, please contact Dana Aussenberg at danaaussenberg.com or email dana@danaaussenberg.com.