Parental Guidance (for Parents): 5 Tips for Homework Success

Being a parent is inarguably one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences in the world. Mommies and daddies have many proud moments, including watching their children grow up to be studious and responsible individuals. The reality of most parents, however, is that they deal with the opposite. According to a 2017 survey, over 70 percent of students don't like homework. A survey published ten years earlier also revealed that 75 percent of students find the material taught in school uninteresting. Yes, you are not alone in this parenting dilemma; you are among the millions of mothers and fathers who fear the future of their child.

Homework Tips for Parents

Whether your child goes to an educational institution or is homeschooled, a common question that many parents ask is how to get children to do their homework. To answer worried parents, this article compiles suggestions on how to make homework less stressful.

1. Let them do their homework where they are most comfortable

This recommendation is for the parents out there who scold their children for doing homework on the floor or kitchen counter, particularly when there's a perfectly good study table in their bedroom. When your child is ready to do his or her homework—that should be more than enough. Let them overcome the challenges of long division or world history wherever they feel like it, but with a few parental guidelines. For instance, the room where your child decides to do his or her assignments should not have any distractions. Procrastinating and losing interest in homework is easier when there's a smartphone, television, or playful sibling around.

2. Provide snacks

Did you know that healthy snacking helps develop good study habits? Homework Help Global cited that the perfect snack for studying should taste delicious and contain the right nutrients. Banana and peanut butter roll-ups, avocado toast, string cheese, and granola bars are some of the best study snacks to keep your child fueled and focused.

3. Try to minimize the amount of time your kids spend on homework

Although homework is an essential part of effective learning, the amount of time young children spend on take-home assignments should remain brief and sometimes involve fun activities to prevent headaches, exhaustion, lack of sleep, and weight loss. Researchers recommend trying the 10-minute rule, which implies that doing homework for a maximum of 10 minutes daily per grade level is most beneficial. Even high school students are advised to avoid spending more than 2 hours of homework each night. Both the National Education Association and National Parent Teacher Association support these guidelines.

As adults, we know a thing or two about the struggles of doing homework. We've been there. Therefore, we should understand that tackling essays, mathematical equations, and science projects can be infuriating and stressful. If you're concerned about the amount of work your child brings home, don't hesitate to speak with their teacher.

4. If your child feels overwhelmed, help them plan and manage their assignments

No parent likes to see their child struggle. If homework-induced stress is becoming too evident in your child, assist them in setting their priorities. For example, help them figure out how long a particular project might take to complete, and then use a calendar or planner to make sure they meet their deadlines. If your child is willing, limit their extracurricular activities to one favorite. Doing so should give your kid more time and energy to focus on schoolwork.

5. Last but not least, avoid correcting or doing your child's homework

Teachers give students take-home assignments to track their learning capacity, discipline, and progress. If your child is having difficulties understanding certain topics—let's be honest, we all know how challenging math problems can be—then by all means, offer your guidance. Perhaps you can help your child grasp and answer the first question, and then let them handle the rest. The bottom line is that the homework is for your child, not for you—the parent.