Page 11 - Dainfern_Precinct_Living_Issue_5_2025

ESTATE NEWS
THE BIG PICTURE
ESTATE MATTERS
TODAY'S CHILD
And so they sit. Frozen. Resistant.
Sometimes explosive. And we, as parents, HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE, MODERN-
step into the ring — not knowing that the
fight was never with us. DAY TWEAKS THAT SUPPORT WITHOUT

KNOWING WHEN TO PUSH AND OVERWHELMING:
WHEN TO PAUSE
There’s no universal script for this — some
days, a bit of encouragement is exactly • The 15-Minute Sprint evening ends in shouting or tears — it’s
what they need. Other days, no amount of Set a visible timer. Make it a game. time to bring the teacher into the loop. And
stickers, snacks, or logic will cut through the “Let’s see what you can do in 15 you don’t have to wait for a crisis or term-
emotional static. minutes.” Break the work into chunks, end meeting to do it.
and build in planned brain breaks.
Gentle push when: • Co-Working Time Try saying something like:
• They’re procrastinating, but still Sit at the same table with your laptop “We’re seeing real distress at home around
light-hearted or a book. No hovering, no correcting homework, even when we’re available
• The work is well within their ability, — just quiet presence. You’re doing to help. We’d love to find a gentler path
but motivation is low your work, they’re doing theirs. It forward together.”
• They just need a nudge and a creates calm accountability.
sense of structure • Checklist Magic Most teachers would rather adapt or clarify
• Together, make a visual to-do list. than see a child spiral into dread. You’re
Pause when: Let them tick it off. Even the act of not making excuses — you’re advocating
• Their shoulders slump the writing “1. Open book” helps create for your child’s capacity and mental health.
moment you mention homework momentum.
• There are tears, meltdowns, or • Brain Breaks That Actually Reset You’re Still the Safe Place
shutdowns Not just “go run around.” Try: five At the end of the day, your relationship with
• They can’t explain the task, even jumping jacks, feeding the dog, a your child matters far more than whether
after re-reading it quick squiggle drawing, or a silly walk they completed every last question on the
• They’re showing signs of around the table. worksheet. Homework shouldn’t cost your
emotional distress, frustration, or • Switch the Setting connection.
fear Change the scenery — outside table,
• beanbag corner, kitchen floor. The You don’t need to be the tutor, the coach,
Sometimes, permission to pause is the brain responds to novelty. the motivator, the therapist, and the
greatest gift you can give — even if it means • Let Them Teach You enforcer. You’re allowed to say:
sending a short note to the teacher and Ask them to explain a concept. “I’m here. I see you. We’ll figure this out
saying, “We tried, but today was too much. “Pretend I don’t know anything about together.”
fractions.” This builds confidence and
HOMEWORK BATTLES: Let’s try again tomorrow.” helps solidify learning. Because the most powerful kind of
learning doesn’t come from fear or
WHAT HELPS (Without the Drama)
Most of us didn’t grow up with co-working WHEN IT’S MORE THAN YOU CAN pressure.
tables or mindfulness breaks — we were HOLD ALONE
told to “just get it done.” But we also If homework resistance becomes the It comes from feeling safe enough to try
didn’t grow up in a world this fast, noisy, or norm rather than the exception — if every again.
emotionally demanding.

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