Most school kids cringe on hearing the word homework!

It gets tougher as you enter your secondary school years. The homework and assignments get more.

As a teen you may find it difficult and challenging to juggle your time for your physical activities, social activities and getting your assignment done on time.

It can be very demanding and daunting to most teenagers.

Don’t panic! You can handle it. You just need some planning and self-organisation. Try it and you know what it means.

Why do teens struggle to complete homework/assignment?

A little bit of motivation by parents can boost a teen’s energy in completing their homework and assignments.

Otherwise you may end up wasting too much time struggling with it.

1. Procrastination

   Teens often see homework as boring. They prefer to do other interesting and fun activities. They often procrastinate. Of course, this just increases the pressure to complete the homework.

2. Lack of Motivation

   Even the best among the best students may find completing homework stressful!

3. Lack of understanding the subject

   Some teens face difficulties in understanding the subject/assignment at hand. Get help! Ask your seniors or teachers/tutors for help and guidance.

4. Distractions

   Teens often get distracted by computer, texting friends, listening to a new CD. It takes away your interest from getting your homework done after school.

Tips to get it done

1. Get the place right

   The first and foremost important is “setting the stage right”. Make sure your parents can get a comfortable study area for you. It should be quiet, well-lit, distraction-free place or room to study and complete your assignment.

   It should be away from television, CD player, ringing phones and video games.

2. Plan ahead

   Planning is very important.

   Once your teachers distribute your assignments, start planning. Prioritise which needs to be done first.

   Think about the materials you need to gather to complete your task. Get them from your library or get the references from your teachers.

   Set a target time you wish to finish the assignment and get going. The longer you procrastinate, it gets more difficult to start off.

3. Establish a routine

   Set in your mind that schoolwork is a top priority and it determines your grades.

   Roster a regular time in a day for homework and assignment. Routine helps to make it a normal daily event and reduces stress.

4. Instill organization skills in yourself

   Get yourself a calendar or personal planner to help get organized. Ensure that you distribute the time for your daily activities according to the needs.

   Break homework into “bite sized” tasks. You must also allocate some time for physical and social activities. Homework can be a drain especially when new concepts are introduced.

   Remember. A good physical health is crucial for a healthy mind, especially for teenagers. Relax and renew the mind from time to time.

   You will be amazed at the speed with which you can get things done after a short break

5. Get help.

   Some teens take longer on homework because they don’t know where to start. Use mind mapping to write down ideas that comes to mind and begin to create an outline from there.

   The internet is an amazing place, we know that. Make time to get books from the library, or get help from friends, teachers, tutors or your parents.

   I am sure if you try the above methods, homework will no longer be a pain. Remember, it is important for your grades and future career.