When Homework Takes Forever: How to Help Kids Stay Focused

You sit down after a long day, and your child still has a math sheet, spelling practice, and reading to get through. What should take 20 minutes drags into two hours. You ask them to focus, but they wiggle in their chair, sharpen their pencil again, or find a dozen other ways to avoid getting it done. Sound familiar?

If homework feels like it takes forever in your house, you’re not alone. Many parents find themselves frustrated and wondering: Why does this take so long?

The good news is that the problem isn’t usually laziness… it’s that kids are still developing the skills they need to manage focus, organization, and perseverance. With some small shifts, you can help make homework time more efficient and less stressful.

1. Check the Basics First

Kids can’t focus well if they’re hungry, thirsty, or exhausted. A quick snack, some water, and even 15 minutes of downtime after school can reset their brain and body before they sit down to work.  Healthy snacking while doing homework can also help because chewing stimulates blood flow to the brain.

2. Break It Down

A whole worksheet or a multi-step assignment can feel overwhelming. Try breaking homework into smaller chunks with mini-breaks in between. For example, complete five math problems, then stretch or grab a drink and bite of a healthy snack. This helps your child build momentum and staying power instead of stalling out.

3. Use Timers Wisely

A timer can be motivating if it’s framed positively. Say: “Let’s see how many problems you can finish in 10 minutes,” instead of “You have 10 minutes to get this done.” The first feels like a challenge; the second feels like pressure.

4. Celebrate Each Step

Celebrations turn on the learning and motivation centers in the brain. If you break down the homework into smaller chunks and celebrate completing each one with a high five, a silly victory dance, or even just words of encouragement - your child is more likely to stay motivated to keep going until the whole assignment is done.

5. Create a Homework-Friendly Space

Distractions are the enemy of focus. Set up a spot that’s clear of toys, TV, and siblings if possible. Some kids focus best at the kitchen table with you nearby, while others do better tucked away in a quiet corner. Some kids do well staying by themselves in the car when you get home, while others do better with some headphones and music.  Notice what works best for your child.

6. Match Support to Their Needs

Some kids need you close by for encouragement, others just need a quick check-in and then space to work. Adjust your involvement based on your child’s personality.  Too much hovering can backfire, but too little support can leave them spinning their wheels.

7. Watch for Patterns

Does homework always drag in certain subjects? At certain times of day? Keeping track of what tends to trip your child up can help you get ahead of the problem, and sharing these insights with their teacher can also be helpful. 

The Bigger Picture

Homework struggles are often less about the assignments and more about developing the underlying skills: focus, perseverance, and self-regulation. These take time to grow, and our role as parents is to guide, encourage, and set up the right environment to help our kids succeed.

If homework is a nightly battle in your house, know that you’re not alone. Small changes can make a big difference, and over time your child will build the skills they need to manage it more independently.

Parenting isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about learning new tools and continually growing right alongside your child.  For more practical strategies like these, click here to join my free Confident Parenting Email Community.  You’ll receive weekly email tips and tools to help you parent confidently and effectively.