Distractions How to Avoid Them

Help my kids are totally distracted all they want to do is watch TV, surf the net or play video games???

First off

Don’t forget that you are in charge.  Second, don’t forget that homeschool does not have to be like forced schooling.  There is a lot of time in the day even if it doesn’t feel like it.

Set a routine

This is important and it is something that lots of homeschool parents struggle with.  Start the day at a similar time everyday and have expectations.  I’ll leave that part up to you.  I suggest that you start with something that they enjoy and you know will hold their attention.  Move on to other stuff that may not be quite as enjoyable but is still essential.  It is a good idea to do this type of activity when you know your child will be awake and not in a mid morning or afternoon lull.

Save the Good Stuff for Last

Kids like rewards and if they know they have something to look forward to the will be more likely to behave and do what you require.  If that reward is the video games or TV, demand attention before hand and then reward afterward.  As I said earlier, homeschool does not have to be like forced schooling.  TV can be a documentary of which there are many that interest kids, video games can be educational and even if they are not they are developing motor skills and technological skills.  And the truth is, the video games are probably more educational than you realize.  If a kid is trying to learn to read and the only thing they are interested in is comic books is it wrong to let them read comic books?  Heck NO, give em more comic books than they have ever seen, encourage the reading and they will move on.

Offer a Reward

Reward kids with web surfing privileges and let them have at it just monitor what they are looking at and steer them towards sites with excellent content.  But again, support their interests.  Use software programs that target kids for learning activities and make things fun.  Use language software programs to expose the kids to foreign cultures and let them have fun with the interactive programs.  Challenge them to build a web site.  Find creative ways to integrate technology into your children’s life.  Don’t see it as a distraction, see it as an opportunity as well as the future.