When homework seems overwhelming, having set strategies to turn to helps students reduce stress, manage their workload effectively, and complete assignments without rushing. One of the easiest ways for students to succeed in class is to turn in their homework completed and on time. But to accomplish this, students need a strategy for tackling homework, especially when there is a lot to do.
Organization and other homework tips help students of all ages complete their homework on time. When solid homework habits are established, good grades follow—not just for the next test but for the entire school year.
If your child feels overwhelmed with homework, use the tips below to set up a good homework strategy that they can feel confident managing.
11 Homework Tips To Deal With Homework Overload
1. Set Up a Study Area
From the first day of class, designate one area of the house as the “homework zone.” This area should be free from distractions and dedicated to working on projects and assignments. Encourage your child to avoid studying in bed—beds should be reserved for sleeping only.
Separating homework from leisure time activities (like sitting in front of the TV) keeps your child focused on the task at hand, creating free time later, once the homework is done.
2. Make Materials Available in the Homework Zone
Consider what tools your child needs to complete homework. Keep all supplies handy in a container or box—anything your child may need access to during homework should be easily accessible.
Having these materials readily available means less time is wasted searching for materials and supplies.
3. Remove Any Distractions
Distractions can be internal (such as racing thoughts or hunger) or external (like technology or other people). They can lead to a poor understanding of the material and feelings of frustration.
It’s important to limit the number of distractions as much as possible so that your child can accomplish more work and retain as much of the homework material as possible. If your child has a cell phone, shut it off or put it in a different place until homework is complete. Make sure the TV is off and minimize other household distractions.
4. Use An Agenda
Agendas are a key organizational tool for homework. Make sure your child has an agenda with plenty of room to record important tasks and deadlines. An agenda not only reminds your child what needs to be completed for homework each night—it’s also a great place to write down questions to ask the teacher.
5. Prioritize Tasks
Look at your child’s agenda together and come up with a plan for what needs to be accomplished first. Doing the easy work before anything else can be tempting, but encourage your child to tackle the tougher assignments first. Your child will have the most mental energy and focus at the start of homework time, so getting the most challenging work done first is important.
6. Set a Time Frame
Choose a time of day to work on homework that is best suited to your family’s needs. Whether it is right after school or after dinner, make sure it’s a time your child can commit to throughout the week. Sticking to a set schedule helps build consistency and helps your child complete their work on time.
Create a plan with your child for how long they will work on homework each night. Depending on your child’s age and grade, this can range from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
Be sure to incorporate study breaks while your child works on their homework. Learning how to take a study break that works is the best way to handle a busy homework night. A 5-10 minute break every 30 minutes or so allows your child to regroup and avoid boredom or frustration.
7. Offer Guidance
Don’t do the homework for your child, but be available when they need help. If your child can complete work independently, check in occasionally to ask how things are going.
Knowing you are there to help if needed will assure your child that they have the support to accomplish what needs to be done.
8. Connect with School
Establishing regular communication with your child’s teacher is a great idea. Being informed will help you hold your child accountable for the work that needs to be completed.
Ask about upcoming projects that may require extra help or any regularly occurring assignments. Add these things to the family’s calendar to keep everyone informed and on track!
9. Be A Role Model
“Do your homework!” are three words heard in many households. Set a good example for your child by practising what you preach.
What your child sees you doing greatly influences what they do. While your child is working on homework, read a book, do some research, or scratch a chore off your to-do list.
10. Offer Praise
If your child is working hard, recognize their efforts. Praising hard work and not just natural intelligence or ability is key.
Your child will appreciate that their hard work is not going unrecognized, and will be more motivated to continue working just as hard.
11. Watch Frustration Levels
If your child is feeling stressed by homework or can’t master the concepts, then it’s time to seek help. Arrange to talk to your child’s teacher or seek after-school tutoring to help your child stay on track.
Recognizing and addressing problems before they become bigger helps keep students on track.
Good Grades Start With Solid Homework Tips & Strategies
Homework can be a challenging experience, especially when it starts piling up for your child. But with a well-established homework routine and the right tips, your child will build confidence in their ability to manage time and study more effectively.
If your child struggles to build homework skills, our Homework Help Tutoring is a good option to help them get back on track!
See why homework is necessary and everything else homework-related.
This post was originally published in 2019 and republished in 2025.
