22/09/2026
Start homework on the right (dance) foot!
Is it hard to get your child to start their homework when they’ve just come home from school?
Maybe it’s time to rethink the strategy.
Think about how you feel when you come home from work. Would you be able to sit down straight away and start studying? Probably not! You’d likely want to relax, switch off and do something different first.
Your child has spent much of the day sitting, listening and focusing. In primary school, they may have had some time to run around at break time, but older children often don’t get as much opportunity to move.
So, why not try a different approach?
🌳 Go for a walk straight after school.
Drive straight from school to the park, park a little further away from the school and walk, or simply take a quick walk around the block.
Notice how you both feel when you get back. A little movement and fresh air can help change the mood, release some of that built-up energy and make it easier to settle down to homework.
And if the weather is terrible, or walking just isn’t your thing… dance! 🎶
Pick a couple of songs and get moving before your child sits down to do their homework. Choose the tracks together — or, if you can’t agree, take turns choosing the music each day!
It might feel a little strange at first, and yes, it might feel very awkward for teenagers but give it a go.
And if your child loses focus halfway through their homework, why not put on a song, have a quick dance break and then try again?
Sometimes, we need to move before we can focus.
Give it a try and see what happens. 💛
If you have questions or would like some support, we're happy to help: [email protected]