Page 38 - Intra Muros August Issue 2025
P. 38
TODAY’S CHILD
Sometimes, permission to pause is
the greatest gift you can give – even
if it means sending a short note to the
teacher and saying, “We tried, but today
was too much. Let’s try again tomorrow.”
What helps (without the drama)
Most of us didn’t grow up with co-
working tables or mindfulness breaks –
we were told to “just get it done.” But we
also didn’t grow up in a world this fast,
noisy, or emotionally demanding.
Here are some simple, modern-
day tweaks that support without
overwhelming:
• The 15-minute sprint – Set a visible
timer. Make it a game. “Let’s see what
you can do in 15 minutes.” Break the
work into chunks and build in planned
brain breaks. • Brain breaks that actually reset – Not just “go When it’s more than you can hold
• Co-working time – Sit at the same run around.” Try: five jumping jacks, feeding alone
table with your laptop or a book. No the dog, a quick squiggle drawing, or a silly If homework resistance becomes the
hovering, no correcting – just a quiet walk around the table. norm rather than the exception – if
presence. You’re doing your work, • Switch the setting – Change the scenery – every evening ends in shouting or
they’re doing theirs. It creates calm outside table, beanbag corner, kitchen floor. tears – it’s time to bring the teacher
accountability. The brain responds to novelty. into the loop. And you don’t have to
• Checklist magic – Together, make a • Let them teach you – Ask them to explain a wait for a crisis or term-end meeting
visual to-do list. Let them tick it off. concept. “Pretend I don’t know anything about to do it.
Even the act of writing “1. Open book” fractions.” This builds confidence and helps
helps create momentum. solidify learning. Try saying something like: “We’re
seeing real distress at home around
homework, even when we’re available
to help. We’d love to find a gentler
path forward together.”
Most teachers would rather adapt
or clarify than see a child spiral into
dread. You’re not making excuses
– you’re advocating for your child’s
capacity and mental health.
You’re still the safe place
At the end of the day, your relationship
with your child matters far more than
whether they completed every last
question on the worksheet. Homework
shouldn’t cost your connection.
You don’t need to be the tutor, the
coach, the motivator, the therapist,
and the enforcer. You’re allowed
to say: “I’m here. I see you. We’ll
figure this out together.” Because
the most powerful kind of learning
doesn’t come from fear or pressure.
It comes from feeling safe enough to
try again.
36 | INTRAMUROS AUGUST 2025