Taking Responsibility for Homework - Part 2

Welcome to FAMILY MATTERS...where has the week gone? Here's a timely topic-HOMEWORK! How can anyone fit in homework during a week when Brett Farve beats his old team the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football!! On top of that, the division leading Detroit Tigers lose in extra innings to the Minnesota Twins--WOW! Yet, we have the reality and tremendous responsibility of homework hanging over us.
 
Just as 'ol Brett and his fellow teammates and the Twins used practice and determination to reach their goals, homework also needs motivation and a clearly understood purpose. Okay, just for a moment let's substitute the word homeworkfor the word practice. A coach will often say "practice makes perfect" and "you play like you practice." Many of us will practice until we fall over from exhaustion yet when it comes to homework we often do just enough to get by…why?? Maybe it's our level of interest in comparison to the fun rewards of playing.
 
Here's a great verse to apply in our motivation of life and in doing homework--Colossians 3:17,23 "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father…Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."
 
These verses really speak for themselves, but let's remember that the 'WHATEVER" applies to all areas and disciplines in our lives.
 
Homework requires discipline and focus. So, let's plan our work and work our plan. Be creative and be realistic. 
 

• Break up the homework into smaller sections that can be accomplished, just like a touchdown takes one play at a time. Be sure to take a brief break (time out!) to stretch, jam to the "INsideOUT" theme song, grab a snack and then back to the next section. 
• Don't wait too late in the evening when you are "Maxed Out" from the day to tackle your homework.
• Note your playing style- are you a procrastinator, a worrier, a planner, or an over achiever- set your game plan/ assignments accordingly.

 
Mom, Dad be aware of your child's strengths and weaknesses so you can help, encourage (don't nag) and build them up. Trust me, it won't be too long until their homework has out punted your coverage --if and when this happens, get a tutor/coach!! Pray for them and support them-- you are their biggest cheering section. Homework…we've all got it--"whatever" to the glory of God. Parenting is a high calling and well worth the sacrifice. High fives and hang in there!!