Listening to music while doing homework?

[jedamum]

My p5 son tried before and admitted that it interfered with his thought process. So he only listens to music and do homework if it involves "mindless" stuff like Xi zi provided he maintains his ting xie score (and other stuff like draft 2 writing after he reviewed the required amendments etc). But i tried to avoid and only permit when he really gets restless.

[jedamum]

To add…

I feel that it is tough to say an outright no. You may end up having an upset kid who felt we have generation gap and upset kid = lesser productivity again.

Let the kid explore and self realise if it works for them (works does not mean complete homework, works also include understanding what is in the homework), if the stakes are not too high eg cannot for periods nearing exams or kids said want to listen music and do revision.
To limit risks, maybe can try only limit to certain subjects, tasks or time, whichever makes sense.
Have an agreement that if there are signs that it affects learning, the kid should own up and understand that adopting a better work method is important. If want to listen music, can allocate a separate time.
Lastly, kid have to know that parents have right to say no to this system if we see signs it doesn’t work and kid has to accept parents decision. eg it is a privilege, not an entitlement.

Pre teen already, need to talk and they will listen if make sense. It also paves the way for them to learn how to make proper decisions and monitor oneself (and understand our nags/concerns) whenthey move on to secondary school. Jmo.

[floppy]

No two human beings are built alike. While some may prefer extreme quietness, others may prefer white noise and so, listening to music doesn't necessarily distract such a person (although it may annoy the rest of the people around him / her).


I can empathize with your daughter since I am one such person. I believe my choice of music (typically breakbeats, big beat, and drums and bass) when in the studying or thinking mode would be of serious concern to parents as well but to be honest, I will switch off from the music, i.e. can't really hear it, once I get into the zone.

[pirate]

I used to watch TV while studying for exams. :siam:

[ammonite]

pirate:

I used to watch TV while studying for exams. :siam:

me 2! And bake cake at midnight! But it is really just to get into The Zone. Once in the zone everything will fade into the background.

[floppy]

ammonite:

pirate:

I used to watch TV while studying for exams. :siam:

me 2! And bake cake at midnight! But it is really just to get into The Zone. Once in the zone everything will fade into the background.

Yup. Different people have different ways of getting into the zone but once in, the 'distractions' don't really matter.

[Funz]

I always had music in the background when I was studying. Even now, at home, when I am working, I will always have some music on. Same for DH. I think kiddos picked up that habit from us. They have their own rooms each so they will play their own preferred music while they work. I discourage listening with earpiece, more out of concern for their hearing, I guess.


I remember Dad removing our player from our room before when we were studying for exams. He said it was a distraction. Well midnight mugging did not last that long that particular night. Both sis and I were yawning away within the hour without the music. It was too quiet that her breathing irritated me and my pencil scratching on the paper while I wrote irritated her. So we decided to all it quits.

[floppy]

Funz:

...
I discourage listening with earpiece, more out of concern for their hearing, I guess.
...

I generally dislike earpiece, out of concern for hearing as well.

However, I learnt (from my hostel mates) that no-earpiece / no-headphone doesn't work well with big beat or drum and bass. Even though the volume is turn down low, the walls can reverb to the bass. Needless to say, my mates weren't really a big fan of my choice of music.

[ammonite]

You remind me of a housemate who popped over and borrowed a particular CD from me for its bass. He said it was relaxing and helped him to concentrate. Ah those were the days.