Now that the beginning of the school year has passed us and we are deep in the throes of school and homework, I wanted to share some tips that have helped keep my kids focused during the day. I am not a professional nor am I a teacher, but I am a mom who homeschools her kids. Some days, everything goes according to plan and I feel like I could take on the world. Other days? I want to enroll them in the closest school around. I can’t say that I ever thought I would be a homeschooling mom, but here we are, and I have really come to enjoy it — as scary and hard as it is.
A lot of people have been talking on social media lately about the hard time they’re having with homework, which I totally get. The kiddos have been in school all day, and their brains are full and exhausted. Unfortunately (in my humble opinion), I don’t think they get enough outdoor time to expel that restless energy during the day. I know I can see the disconnect in my kids’ eyes when they need a break.
Along the way, I have learned a few tricks to help keep my kids focused.
Of course, if all else fails, there is always bribery. I kid, I kid but hey, it does help sometimes! 
Take a break
The first thing I do is to give them a break. Some kids will say that is not the issue and they don’t want to take a break. Then MAKE them. I know it sounds crazy, but it really does help. Once they get past the ‘it’s hot outside’ and ‘I am bored,’ they always have a good time. It doesn’t have to be all night long – it could be five, twenty, thirty minutes or whatever works for your family dynamic.
Eat a little something
If my kids are hangry then they don’t focus. Giving them a little boost-me-up snack before dinner helps. It gives them a mental break while they eat and fills up their tummy. Aren’t you a different person when you’re hungry? Eat a snickers!
Make it a game
Set a timer, sing a song, and just make it fun. If they don’t even realize they are learning, they will be more eager to jump right in.
Each child is different, and sometimes it takes a while to figure out what works.
