Homework Help: Tips for Parents

Doing homework won’t always be easy for your child. On the days when they’re getting frustrated because they can’t find the solution to a math problem or use a word properly, you may want to step in and help. That’s totally fine! Providing a little bit of homework help can be a great way to give them the push they need without taking the educational value out of the work. But there’s a difference between helping with homework and doing it for them! Let’s go over a few tips for finding that delicate balance of offering support without completely taking over.

Create a Structured Routine

Routines can work wonders for your child’s development and your peace of mind—remember how much better things got when your infant got into good sleeping habits? The same applies to doing homework! When you create a structured routine of doing homework at the same time and place each day, your child has expectations set and begins to build some great habits!

Choose a place with minimal distractions—visible and audible (we suggest facing them away from a window in a room that doesn’t have a television). When you stick to the same routine in this established homework spot, it will begin to feel more natural not only for your child, but for you too. You’ll likely notice your stress levels going down while doing homework. 

Encourage Organization and Time Management

Want to prevent last-minute rushes and forgotten assignments? Teach them the importance of deadlines and difficulty levels! When they keep these things top of mind, they’ll begin to get a  feel for how much time they should give themselves to complete their assignments.

Of course, sometimes a homework assignment will come along that’s more involved than usual. While this could be discouraging for your child, it’s a great way to show them the value in breaking down big tasks into smaller, more bite-sized tasks. This is also a good opportunity to use planners, calendars, and even organizational apps to monitor their progress and stay on track. If there’s a checklist involved, this could be a boon, as many kids will feel that satisfying sense of accomplishment every time a subtask is completed.

Offer Guidance Without Taking Over

This one is easier said than done—when we know the answer to a math problem, we get a strong urge to blurt it out—but being patient is key to making sure your child’s assignments are providing educational value for them. Encourage them to tackle a problem on their own, and try not to offer homework help at the very first hint of struggle.

When you do need to step in, it’s important to know how. Part of helping with homework is encouraging them to think a little differently rather than stating the solution. Say they’re trying to solve an addition problem. Instead of saying, “The answer is four,” ask them if they can count on their fingers to help them reach the answer. By promoting this kind of problem-solving and critical thinking, you’re helping them build confidence and resilience. That sense of achievement we mentioned earlier is much stronger when they arrive at a solution by themselves!

Communicate With Teachers

Communication is key—and not just between you and your child. When you stay in touch with their teachers, you can stay abreast of homework expectations, curriculum, and upcoming big projects. This knowledge of what’s coming will help you and your child prepare.

Additionally, regular check-ins can nip any potential problems—educational and even behavioral—in the bud. Teachers can provide some great insights into your child’s style of learning and offer details on areas that could use improvement. These regular check-ins can help address your own concerns over workloads or specific subjects.

Recognize When Extra Homework Help Is Needed

Despite parents’ best efforts, children may sometimes require support beyond what they’ll find at home or in the classroom. If you find that despite your efforts at providing homework help they’re still struggling, tutoring or extra help could be the solution. Keep an eye out for signs of lasting frustration or your child falling behind. After-school programs, online tutoring services, and other specialized learning resources could be just what your child needs to learn confidently.

Homework Help That Helps

Doing homework is about more than just getting through an assignment. It’s about teaching your child new things, developing their skills, and helping them discover how they tick. When you create a structured routine for them, they’ll begin to feel empowered in their academic journey. Encourage organization, offer guidance, and communicate with them and their teachers. Through it all, remember to be patient and supportive. That encouragement will play a key role in your child’s success!

If you need additional information or would like to discuss whether extra help is needed, we’re always happy to help. Reach out and let’s start a conversation today!