Dealing With Homework Stress in Teens

The effect of very high homework stress has been a bane of every teen’s existence. After spending long hours at school, they leave only to get started on loads of homework. While some teachers say the homework reinforces what students had learned during the day; other teachers say the homework puts a lot of pressure on kids and parents.

According to a new study, conducted by the Better Sleep Council, homework stress is the biggest source of frustration for teens, with 74 % of those surveyed ranking it the highest, above self-esteem (51 %) parental expectations (45 %), and bullying (15 %).

Homework seems to be consuming a lot of time— around 15-plus hours a week, with about one-third of teens reporting that it’s closer to 20-plus hours.

The stress and excessive homework add up to the loss of sleep. According to the survey, 57 % of teenagers said that they don’t get enough sleep while 67 % reported they get just 5-7 hours of sleep a night — a far cry from 15 hours from the recommended 8-10 hours. According to BSC, their research shows that when teens feel more stressed, their sleep suffers. They go to sleep very late and get up very early and have more trouble falling and staying asleep than less-stressed teens.

It is also found that teenagers are experiencing this cycle wherein they sacrifice their sleep to spend hours on homework, which gives them more stress — they don’t get better grades.

A further intriguing result of this research is that, despite spending so much time on their homework, children who go to sleep and rise earlier perform much better in academics, compared to those who stay up later.

It is advised that students consider setting up a regular time to go to bed every night, irrespective of whether there is still schoolwork to complete. The temperature should be approximately 65 and 67 degrees, electrical gadgets should be turned off before bed, and the mattress should be comfortable.

Listed are some of the tips to reduce homework stress for your child:

•  Follow a timetable: Help your child create a routine for their activities, sleep, schoolwork, and responsibilities. So that the youngster is aware of what to do, keep this timetable apparent.

• Time management skills: Ensure your child focuses on the task at hand when it comes time to start working on homework assignments. To help your child do their homework and stay on schedule, turn off any television or smartphone interruptions.

• Start early: Go through the academic tasks for each subject covered in class with your children each day as soon as he or she returns to school after a break. Help your child prioritize his or her homework tasks and make a plan for how to complete them.

• Evaluate daily assignments and suggestions: Your child needs a to-do list where they can write down all the assignments and homework given to them by their teacher. Ask your child to check daily feedback to make sure they are aware of the homework they need to do and the changes they need to make.   

•  Keep organized: A disorganized study space might be annoying. Make sure the area is maintained and well-organized, and also ensure that the stationery materials are available and well within reach for your youngster to finish their schoolwork.

• Ask the teachers: As a parent, you always want to assist your child with their homework as much as possible. The discrepancy between the subject matter presented and the assigned assignment is the problem. Creating a list of questions for him or her to ask the teacher can help your child acquire the assistance required to comprehend the subject.

• Create a homework group: Create a homework group. Creating a homework group either virtually or in person will help your child to discuss the material with his or her classmates. By discussing these concepts the child will have a better understanding of the concepts and will be able to arrive at a solution.

• Give break time: Encourage your child to take a short break and return to the assignment or homework later if they are having trouble with a school assignment or question. This breather will allow your child to unwind and reorganize so that he or she can concentrate while having a clear head.

• Time to unwind: Make time for your child to engage in a hobby, a structured extracurricular activity, or a home activity that they like. This adjustment will assist in letting go of any stress and returning to a more positive mindset.

• A good night’s rest: As a parent, if you want your kid to perform well in academics, then they should be both physically and emotionally prepared to start school the next morning. You must motivate them to follow a regular sleeping schedule. Teenagers require 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night, while children between the ages of 6 and 13 should get an undisturbed sleep of 9 to 11 hours. Your child will be well-prepared for the next day’s school and homework only if they get a good night’s sleep.
• Conclusion:By using the steps outlined above, you can assist your child in managing the stress that comes with any challenging situation, whether it be positive or negative. Stress-management techniques work best when used in advance rather than only under pressure. De-stressing can aid you in overcoming difficult situations.