Homework Tips for Parents

Being involved in your child’s homework can make a huge difference in how well she performs in school and in her confidence. Make a point to help your child in her homework. Here are some tips to help.

1. Express interest in your child’s homework. Just asking your child about her homework assignments and what work she has to do can demonstrate the importance of completing her homework and show that you care. Pay particular attention to homework assignments your child enjoys or dislikes to learn about your child’s interests and strengths.

2. Work while your child works. Doing some work while your child completes her homework can help you be a role model to your child. Read a book or the newspaper while your child does her homework. This can create a learning atmosphere and create solidarity between you and your child.

3. Help your child become organized. Many children struggle with doing their homework because of a lack of structure—they don’t know when they should be working on their homework or which homework to do first. So help your child with this process by teaching her to keep an assignment notebook. Check and update the notebook together. This can teach your child important organizational skills she can use throughout her life.

4. Eliminate distractions. When your child is doing homework, get rid of distractions. This means turning off the television, removing the dog from the room, and making sure other family members do not interfere. Give your child the best chance possible to concentrate.

5. Establish a regular “homework time.” Set aside a time each night (or every other night, depending on your child’s work load) for your child to do homework. This kind of consistency will help your child focus and ensure that she has the time she needs to complete her homework. Do not schedule any other activities for this time. This will also help your child avoid procrastination.

6. Meet with your child’s teacher. Meeting with your child’s teacher can be very helpful in knowing what kind of work your child will be doing and what help you can offer. If your child struggles with a particular topic or subject area, ask your child’s teacher what strategies you can use to help her improve her performance.

7. Praise your child for completing homework. Children thrive on praise, so be sure to praise your child when she completes her homework. Offering occasional rewards for work that is especially hard or time-consuming can also be helpful. However, do not do so often enough that your child is motivated by wanting the reward; teach your child the value of doing homework for the sake of learning.

Image Credit: Rennett Stowe, Flickr