"Why does my child have a meltdown before schoolwork?"
In case you thought you were the only parent struggling with an emotional child before homework – you're not. And, it's more common than you might think.
Setting aside time for schoolwork with your children doesn’t have to be a battle. But let’s be honest – when homework time rolls around, moods can shift dramatically, and suddenly, what should be a simple task turns into a struggle.
Some parents may feel that it’s not their job to motivate their kids to do schoolwork – and while that may be true, it is our responsibility to understand why they seem disengaged or resistant.
Kat, The Education Specialist, offers valuable insights into why children become fussy, emotional or frustrated when it's time for schoolwork. While many parents might pin this on laziness, the reality is often more complex.
Kids may struggle with schoolwork for a variety of reasons that aren’t immediately obvious.
For instance, they might feel overwhelmed by the workload, confused by the lesson but too afraid to ask for help, or even disengaged because they don’t connect with how the material is being presented.
If these challenges aren’t addressed with patience and understanding, they can lead to a lasting dislike for learning.
Her perspective was truly eye-opening, reminding us that first impressions aren't always accurate.
Children are exposed to screens at an increasingly young age, which significantly shapes how they learn. The fast-paced, high-energy, and visually-rich content they consume conditions them to absorb information in a particular way.
When they start school, this shift can be jarring. The structured,
traditional teaching methods often don't align with the dynamic,
immersive experiences they’ve grown accustomed to. This mismatch can
make learning feel slower, less engaging, and, at times, frustrating for
them.
However, this isn’t a failure of schools or teachers – they are working within the resources available to them.
Watch the video below from TikTok.
@kattheeduspecialist Why does my child cry or become emotional when it's time for school work? #homework #baselineassessment #learning #meltdown #energy #cry #frustration ♬ original sound - Kat The Education Specialist
Here are some helpful tips to help you manage a crying, emotional child before starting schoolwork.
Make learning less stressful and more inviting.
Assess your child's learning capability to determine whether you need to work with your child more in a specialised manner.
Try planning shorter, more interactive schoolwork sessions that include breaks.
Start with easy tasks that will help build their confidence and self-esteem.
Communicate with your child about why they feel this way regarding schoolwork.
Tune in to the 'Workzone with Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp', weekdays from 09:00 – 12:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Image courtesy of iStock
https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/little-girl-with-textbooks-studying-asleep-gm1074173908-287590313?searchscope=image%2Cfilm