Importance of Routine
We often hear parents complaining about the fact that their child does not want to do anything, but play on the computer or watch television. Given, that these sources of technology offer so much stimulus and entertainment, one can see why this could happen. Establishing a routine at a young age can help with this issue.
Try to work out a schedule that would benefit both you and the child. Some factors that I would consider before making a plan is to work with your child’s personality and your own schedule. Consider these facts. What are your child’s study habits? How are they after they come home from school? Do they need a break at once, or can they wait till the much later? Is the computer or television being used as a reward, relaxing, or keeping them busy? How long do they sit on it?
Based on these questions, you then can come up with a routine. For example, if a child finds it hard to switch from play to homework, then it would make more sense to have them finish everything, and then play. The play time then could be used as a reward.
Their favorite show comes at a certain time only? Tape the show. It saves time, skipping commercials, and the child will feel good not missing anything.
Is your child too tired to do homework after school? Let them come home, unwind eating a snack and talking to you. After that, they can finish what they have to before they go on the computer or television.
Be consistent with your expectations. When the child sees that it is a non-negotiable issue, there will be less and less resistance. It takes a while for a routine to be established. It might take more time, and resistance, if you try to change it during the middle of the year. This is where you as an adult play an important role as consistency is important. Do not incorporate anything that you cannot be consistent with, for a child cannot take this issue seriously if he sees his own parents give in or giving up. Instead, find a plan and routine that works well for everyone. Do not think in terms of this is how it should be done, but in terms of this how it works well for all in the family.