give your kid a break

Sometimes we all get overwhelmed and just need a break from the action. Our kids are no different. Here are 3 easy steps to help in just such a situation.

1. know the signs
You know your child. He/she usually comes home and sits down for homework without too much fuss (rarely does a child love this activity). However, today the tears stream and the argument is just too much, then chances are he/she is going thru something completely separate from the daily, non-tearful routine of homework. Be aware of behavioral patterns so you will know when something is out of line.

2. release judgment
Whatever you decide to give your child a break from, simply give the break and move on. Don't coat the gift with judgment or shame for not doing their usual job. You've given this gift, let go of the strings. This includes body language (folding arms, tapping foot), facial expressions (rolling eyes) and verbal language (If you really can't handle it, I guess just quit!). Let's say you've decided to let go of homework for the night. Let go of it. Your child will have appropriate consequences the next day at school without you being involved at all. Every choice we make results in consequences, there's nothing wrong with weighing options and making a choice based on immediate needs (a break) vs. longer term consequences (missing recess to complete homework).

3. don't make it a pattern
This is key--don't make the break a pattern. That is the opposite of what you're looking to do. Once is fine, perhaps a couple of times over the course of the year could be ok. However, if you find yourself skipping homework (or whatever break you've given) on a regular basis, then the break has become the norm.