As a mom and a former childcare worker I am often inclined to forget all of my
training in childcare when I'm dealing with my own son. When my son Gabe and
I sit down at the kitchen table to do his homework I find my eyes darting around
the room for some way out. Gabe is a first grader and a beautiful bighearted child.
He is however not the most enthusiastic learner. An hour or more into trying to get
him to finish just one page of handwriting practice we are both near tears most
evenings.
I finally had a breakthrough last night, the problem wasn't Gabe it was me.
I was using the "just sit still and get it done or your grounded tonight" aproach.
Thats when "Homework Superman" came to me instead of telling Gabe he was on the verge of being in trouble I sat at the table with him the whole time he did his work.
I didn't help him write his words. I helped him feel confident about his own ability to write them and write them well. I made him a paper badge that said "Homework Superman"
I told him repeatedly as he did his work that I love him and I'm proud of him. Gabe swelled
with pride and confidence and completed his homework in record time.
Every morning after a homework assignment had been torture for him. He dreaded turning
in his work because deep down he knew he hadn't done his best and he didn't feel good
about himself. But, this morning he proudly marched up to his teacher declared himself
"homework Superman" and handed over his accomplishment.
Who among us couldn't use some extra encouragement? I think its human nature
to be more motivated by praise than punishment.
