Dear Sue,
Every afternoon feels like a marathon in our house. Homework that should take twenty minutes can stretch into two hours of sighing, stalling, and endless sharpened pencils. My child will sit at the table, books open, but very little actually gets done.
At school the teacher says he understands the lessons, so I don’t think it’s a matter of not knowing the work. The problem seems to be how long it takes him to get through even the simplest assignments. He drifts off, gets frustrated, and by the end we’re both exhausted.
Is this just a discipline problem? Or could there be an underlying reason why homework is such a slow and painful process?
Marianne
Dear Marianne
Thank you for sharing your struggle — many families can relate to this daily homework battle. When a child spends far too long on tasks they are capable of doing, it often points to hidden learning challenges rather than laziness or poor discipline.
Here are some common reasons:
1. Slow processing speed
Processing speed is the pace at which the brain handles information. If it’s slow, every task takes longer, from reading instructions to solving problems.
2. Attention difficulties
Even when children understand the material, they may find it hard to stay focused long enough to complete it efficiently. Frequent redirection adds to the overall time.
3. Weak sequencing and organization
Homework requires planning: knowing what to do first, keeping track of steps, and sticking to them. Without strong sequencing skills, a child can feel stuck or keep starting over.
4. Mental fatigue
If foundational skills like memory or visual processing are weak, schoolwork requires extra effort. By homework time, the child is already mentally drained, so everything takes longer.
The good news is that homework time doesn’t have to be endless.
- Strengthen cognitive skills: Building processing speed, sequencing, and attention can dramatically reduce the workload “drag.”
- Create structure: A quiet space, clear routine, and short breaks help sustain focus.
- Teach organization strategies: Encourage checklists and small goals so assignments feel doable.
- Keep perspective: Praise effort, not just completion, to prevent burnout and frustration.
With the right support, your child can finish work more efficiently and regain confidence. I recommend a free assessment so we can identify the underlying difficulties and put a plan in place.
Sue
More about Sue
Sue is an educational specialist in learning difficulties with a B.A. Honors in Psychology and a B.D. degree. Early in her career, Sue was instrumental in training over 3,000 teachers and tutors, providing them with the foundational and practical understanding to facilitate cognitive development among children who struggle to read and write. With over 30 years of research to her name, she conceptualized the Edublox teaching and learning methods that have helped thousands of children worldwide. In 2007, she opened the first Edublox reading and learning clinic; today, there are 30 clinics internationally. Sue treasures the “hero” stories of students whose self-esteem soars as their marks improve.
