We were thrilled to talk to Noel Janis-Norton about her new book and how she wants to help make homework calmer, easier and happier for both parents and children.
Noel is the author of the best selling ‘Calmer Easier Happier Parenting’ and her new book is a companion guide.
We have 5 copies of the book ‘Calmer, Easier, Happier Homework’ to giveaway. Scroll down to find out how to get your hands on a copy.
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Why did you decide to focus on homework in your new book?
Homework is something that many many parents feel concerned about. In fact the concern often verges on despair. I wanted to help homework become calmer, easier and happier.
Do you think our children get too much homework too soon? Surely at age 5 when homework starts they should still be learning through play?
It’s certainly true that children need to play and what we recommend is that when they come home from school they have a healthy snack, some time to play (running around play) and then they can do some homework. How parents approach the homework can make a lot of difference between whether the child dreads it and procrastinates and dawdles or whether the child is actually interested.
One of the most important things in my book is teaching parents to divide homework into three stages and the first stage is the Think Through. In the Think Through the parents asks the questions that bring back into the child’s working memory what they need to know to do a good job on their homework. By the time the child comes to pick up a pencil and actually write, they know exactly what they are going to write and the task becomes much less onerous.
How on earth are you supposed to fit homework in when we have so much going on with playdates, after school clubs and busy family lives?
It is always a matter of priorities because there isn’t enough time to do all of the things we want. Each parents has to decide for themselves what are the most important things and whether finding time for homework is one of those.
Often with homework – especially maths – parents feel out of their depth as it is not taught in the same way we ourselves were taught – how can we help without muddling our children up?
A parent doesn’t have to know the information. It is the teachers job to teach and the 
parents job to teach good habits. One good habit is to get the children to take a sensible guess and write something down – even if they think they don’t know the answer. The amazing thing is – most of the time the answer they write down is correct. It’s just that they don’t want to take a chance on being wrong. Even if their answer is a way off you can show that to the teacher and explain that your child doesn’t have a clue and will need some more help.
Maths can be presented in different ways but it is still the same numbers doing the same thing. If a child isn’t getting it the way it is taught in school I think it is just fine for a parents to explain it the way they understand.
If a child says they can’t do something usually it’s because they have go muddled on a more basic level. Often what we really need to do is to go back a number of notches and make sure they understand the basics.
What if the homework is too difficult, too easy or just really really dull?
If it’s too hard the parent needs to make an executive decision to simplify it so that the child is challenged but working for the right amount of time doing something productive.
If the homework is to easy then it can usually be done quickly and then the parent should set something that is a little bit more challenging. In my book I explain how parents can do that,
When homework is dull there are ways to make it more interesting – one of the ways is with the Think Throughs. If you do a 5 minutes Think Through asking questions engaging your child then even though the task may be dull your child will be much more willing to do it.
If children get daunted by a whole page of questions – fold over the page – or photocopy it and cut up the page into bits.
The most important thing to ask is ‘Is the child learning?’.
My son gets set an hour’s homework but it takes my child two hours or more. What should I do?
Find out exactly how long the school expects your child to do homework and don’t do a minute more or a minute less. Set your child up for success. From now on tell them, say ‘Homework is going to be an hour’. You can explain that if you haven’t finished in the hour they can get up the next morning to finish (chances are they won’t want to do this!). That makes it clear of the time available for homework and within a day or two they start doing their homework in the right amount of time. If we allow homework to stretch longer than it is supposed to then what’s happening is getting the homework finished has become a parent’s job and the parents is dragging the child through it. Children do want to get their homework done. When it is their job to get it done they get it done in time and learn to do so very quickly.
If the reason it is taking a long time is because the child is struggling then it has to be different homework . Until you speak to the teacher make an executive decision to make the work easier so that your child is putting in the right amount of time and doing something where they are learning.
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The book Calmer, Easier, Happier Homework explains in much more detail and in practical ways that really work how to solve homework battles and how to make homework a useful and meaningful and even enjoyable task that fits into your family day.
For more support from Netmums on everything to do with your child at all ages and stages visit our Your Child section.
We have 5 copies of the book to give away. To be in with a chance of winning a copy simply leave a comment on the blog and from all comments received by midnight February 28th we will pick 5 lucky winners. Usual Netmums terms and conditions apply.
Maybe this is the miracle I need!
Lots to think about and it’s nice to know we are not alone. I’ve argued with my son on a regular basis about doing his homework and usually end up ‘teaching’ him what is needed. Never thought about not actually doing it that way…. Would like to know what options are available to us when the child is falling behind and extra homework is given to bring them back up to the class’ level. Especially when the arguments/tantrums continue (and that’s just me).
Hi Annette
My son also struggled and was falling behind. We have found him a tutor that does 1 hour on a saturday one-to-one tuition and although we have to pay for it I would definately say its worth the money. He has come on so well the last year and is now back up to speed with the other kids. He’s also alot more confident at school and the teachers have noticed the difference – homework is still an uphill battle though!
Hi, would love to win a copy
I found this very helpful to know as i feel my eight year old daughter is struggling just now with he homework and not enjoying it at all, as she has a brother and sister its hard to find the time to sit alone and have the time with her. I would love to win a copy of this book to help her.
I fear my sons won’t talk to me again after “helping” them with their homework. I need all the help I can get.
I have a constant battle with my son to get him to do his homework – and he’s only 9! I dread to think what its going to be like in the next few years, especially when he goes to secondary school. My 5 year old daughter on the other hand can’t get enough of her homework and zooms through it before I’ve even had a chance to take my coat off! Its amazing the difference between them, but my son is exactly like my husband and not amazingly academic, my daughter I like to think takes after me. I can see many evenings of arguements and struggles coming up with my son so any help would be appreciated!
I am having very similar experience to Laura with two of my kids. In addition, the schools they go to have a Home Learning and No Homework Policy, which makes it even more harder to track down the progress and follow curriculum ourselves. Although I have purchased a number of books on (the usual topic) how to support your child at school, this paragraph has made more sense than all the books I read so far. I would love to get a copy of this book or ultimately read more of these practical advice tips on how to manage this very stressful times.
Now I understand what I’ve been doing wrong. Makes sense now I read this article. Thank you
I really enjoyed reading this article. It gives some excellent advice. My homework ‘problems’ are how to support my older son doing his homework when his younger brother is demanding attention too. Do you have any advice about this? Thank you!
This book looks fab! What a truly useful resource. Any tips on music practice?
Well, I definitely need a copy of this book. Whenever I try and ‘help’ my kids with their homework it turns into a battleground! Once I get them to sit down invariably it ends with someone storming off, usually me!
Makes sense, I dread homework, and do find it hard to juggle everything! Does this book hold the answer? if so would sure make family life a lot easier, here’s hoping.
This sounds just the book I need to prevent the constant battles I’m having with my 9yr old daughter over homework.
Looking forward to getting some useful tips for this most stressful task.
Homework is a battleground in our house, it takes forever. Hopefully I could pick up some tips!x
This book sounds like just what I’ve been looking for. My wee one is 5 so has only just started homework but already she is sticking her heels in and refuses to do it. I was half thinking of just giving up on it as making reading and writing ‘work’ seems to have totally killed her enjoyment of it. I didn’t have homework until I hit secondary school and I always loved school (and homework – well, most of the time
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Now this looks a really good book with lots of useful tips…definitely needed with 4 kids in the house..would welcome the advice
I so need these tips! My daughter is only 6 but has a lot of health needs and homework is a struggle as she is often tired. if she dont do homework then she has to catch up at weekends and this eats away her free time.
Fab article, makes it sounds so easy, would like that in our house!
The problem with Maths is that they are not taught to understand how the system works so they can be independent when it comes to calculating. It’s ridiculous to expect a 6 year old to remember everything by heart ie. when it comes to do 52×3 for instance! I’m glad my son so far is willing to do homework and even more but he looks at me like a complete alien when I try to explain how to do maths properly! Wish I knew how they were taught. All we get is “oh he’s fine, don’t worry!” That’s not helpful!!!
Yep it makes perfect sense! Putting it to practice may need to have the book placed strategically to hand for quick reference and to calm the tension.
I will defo be buying this book if I don’t win it, it sounds like just the help I need with helping my Daughter with her Learning.
This is the book I need. I have constant battles with my 9 year old son, who also has learning difficulties, just need some reassurance on what would be best. Great blog with some good tips. Thank you
It all just sounds too easy, I cannot believe this book could bring us what we so desperately need at our house. I cannot imagine my kids ever enjoying their homework, every week it’s a battleground. It’s not even the work that is too challenging, it’s not the maths that is beyond us, it’s getting them to focus on what they need to do.They waste too much time just looking around doing nothing. They struggle reading the questions properly, being accurate and presenting their work. It’s the writing and research homework that is usually too vague as to what the teacher would like them to do. The kids often get caught up in details and forget the bigger picture. The subjects are often beyond their imagination and they cannot relate or enjoy, never mind learn. I would love to teach them good homework habits, I know they could do the work in allocated time, it’s getting them to do it. I obviously need help…
The amount of times I have had to walk away cause I hear “mummy that’s not hw miss x does it!” Or ” u don’t know what your talking abt” this is my 1st child so am struggling wit it all!
this book looks fab, the older my girls get the harder i find it to motivate them!
Great blog! I love the idea of the book and would really like to read more. I am a mum of 3 girls ages 12, 9 and nearly 4 so help on all subjects is greatly appreciated! We have daily homwework issues in our house and it’s sometimes a struggle to keep them motivated. Fingers crossed I’m lucky enough to win one! Thank you
This book would be a great read for me as I feel as though it is a constant battle between me and my son. I end up helping him because I can’t stand the tears and tantrums.
We really found Calmer Easier Happier Parenting useful looks as though this book would be too!
This would be brilliant for me and my husband. i have a son in yr 1 and another starting school in september so this will come in very handy :0) x
This book looks like just what we need!
My daughter (9yr old) gets bored easily of her homework as she finds it repetitive and too easy. I hope to find out tips for keeping her interest alive!
Sounds like this would be useful.
my daughter has no interest in certain homework. projects a big hit but spellings and maths is a huge problem in our house. i help my nephews too and they always leave their to the last minute.
Hi, would love to win a copy
Great book. My children are often so tired when I come home from work that they leave homework until the weekend that causes friction with family time and days out. My husband is a house husband but he doesn’t have enough patience to help them.i would love to share this book with I’m and as a primary teacher with the parents in school.
Yay! I’m not the only one. I need this book!
Looks like good sound advice, would really like to win a copy.
I would love to win this – it looks fantastic!
I definitely need this, for me as much as I need it for my little boy. At the moment my six-year old is expected to practice for a spelling test all week, read+report on 4 books borrowed from school, plus how I am supposed to find time to improve his maths and handwriting as well I don’t know? And I’ve only got one child!
Seems really interesting, everything helps to give my girls the best start in life.
Looks like sound advice.
This sounds like a great book that, like many Mums, I would find very useful. My daughter has always struggled with homework and we work together on this most days and any new inspiration would be wonderful!
My daughter is only in reception and I struggle already getting her to practice reading so this would be invaluable to read now and help in the future. The book looks great and I have read sample pages which backs this up
With the use of this article & book I will look forward to my daughter bringing homework home from school
Just like many other things, parents’ attitude is crucial to a child’s success.
. (He could have been cold or sick too, which would be things to investigate, just like catering for special needs when approaching homework…)
I have come to realise, while starting swimming with my son, that he was initially afraid and very uncomfortable in the water, because I was very tense myself the first couple of times we went swimming. Things have improved a lot since then
I hope this book can give me some practical tips to make homework a success in our home!
Looks like good advice, would really like to win a copy and read more.
I would love a copy of this book.
Sounds very interesting think I need this with 3 children homework can sometimes be stressfull ! Would love to win a copy
With my oldest in reception class we haven’t started with ‘real’ homework just lots of reading… with 2 other children not far behind it would be good to get into a relaxed and happy routine of homework. I do enjoy her teaching me what she has learnt at school and with experience from a 10 year old stepson I know they don’t teach things the same as when we were in school so to know how not to confuse and upset would be great. The book sounds like a blessing.
That would be a really helpful read.
This sounds great. Would love to win a copy.
This would help so much as it’s becoming more difficult and is stress for us both!
Hi there, would simply love to win one of these to make homework time a “happier one”! X
My 10 yo treats homework as optional, though usually does do it. The school policy on this seems variable. Though the content is usually good, I can’t see how having it be optional prepares her for secondary school, when it really won’t be! I anticipate trouble ahead and any help I can get will be welcome.
As my daughter gets older she is getting more homework and it is becoming more difficult to get her to sit down and do it.
This seems to be the answer to many parents prayers!
Would this help if the child has ADHD?
I need this book! My daughter has just started to get homework!
great tips! Thank you – so true that it is most important that they are learning and engaged in their learning. x
my son has dyspraxia whihc makes it even harder for us to get him to do his homework! we spend a lot of time trying to make things fun for him in order to keep his attention, particulary with maths as he finds it very hard so any help is greatly appreciated. comparing maths to food seems to be our best option!! and getting him to cook with me can be maths related too….this sounds like a great book and would be appreciated.
It would be lovely to read this but I fear would not make a difference in our house as my Dad has done homework ‘with’ (read ‘for’) my son for so long that getting him to do it himself is a nightmare!
So reassuring to know that I’m not the only one who finds homework a real flash point and thank you for some great advice, particularly the idea of the Think Through – I think this would really help my daughter.
Sounds like a great book – I’d love to share this with my daughter
i would love to win this book, it’ll really help me and my kids.
sounds like a great read