Homework Help: 5 x Ways To Provide Your Child With Quality Help

It can be challenging to provide your child with homework help when you don’t understand the material. Discussing lessons with teachers can help.

Studies show that regular homework improves the likelihood of a student achieving higher grades, improved test results, and college admission. As a parent, you understand the importance of focusing on homework and understandably would like to provide homework help that creates strong homework habits.

So, how can you provide the homework help that your child needs to succeed and achieve?

In this guide, we break down the role of parents in supporting their children’s homework help requirements.

1. Provide a Homework Space

Defining a homework spot and setting up a comfortable environment is an important way that parents can help their children with homework. A homework-friendly area depends on the age of your child and their needs.

Younger children may prefer to be close to you and other family members, so a table in the dining room or kitchen works well. On the other hand, teenagers may require more privacy and prefer to work in their rooms. Homework help looks different based on your child’s age.

Either way, the homework space should be well-lit and comfortable, stocked with all the necessary school supplies, and free from distractions.

If your child chooses to work in their rooms, check-up on them every now and again to ensure that they’re working well. Additionally, if they require a computer then insist on doing homework in a communal living space so that they don’t become distracted by social media or video games.

2. Be in Touch With Teachers

Creating an open and communicative relationship with your child’s teachers is important. If you’re wondering how to help kids with homework when you’re unsure of the material or the assignment, talking to teachers can be a big help.

Teachers can provide insight into the school work and also into your child’s needs. They have the first-hand experience with the kids in their classroom and know where your child struggles and how to help them succeed.

Discuss lessons with teachers as well as tips concerning the material. They may be able to recommend homework help websites and methods on how to help kids with homework.

Teachers have a good reason for giving homework and as a parent, it’s important to understand the desired outcome so you can help your child achieve it.

3. Motivate and Monitor but Don’t Do the Work

You’re thinking, ‘my child needs help with homework’ and what begins as some advice turns into you completing the work for them. It’s natural for parents to want to prevent their children from falling behind and to want to help them to succeed.

However, it’s essential that your kids learn how to think for themselves, work on solving problems and finish homework independently.

Your role should be one of motivators and monitor but avoid doing their homework for them. Ask about upcoming quizzes and assignments, check the finished homework, and be available for questions.

4. Instill Good Homework Practices

Sometimes it’s difficult for children to get into the habit of regularly doing homework. They become easily distracted or bored and it’s understandable. So, how can you help out? There are a few practices to make doing homework easier for your kids.

Firstly, help to establish a homework routine. By setting a regular time and place for doing the homework you will create consistency and a good habit. This is something that should not be too lenient. During homework time, phones, TV, and other electronics should be strictly off-limits.

Work with your child and their needs and personality to create a homework strategy. Some children can focus for long periods of time while others need to take regular breaks. Some kids work quickly and can finish assignments in a short time, while others work slower. There is no right or wrong, and it’s important for your child to understand that.

Help them to think about their homework, the quantity, due dates, and such, and strategize accordingly. Teach your child how to prioritize according to work importance as well as their capabilities. This is not only one of the most important homework tips for children but also an important life skill.

It’s important for you to guide your child into the understanding that the skills and practices that they apply to their homework are relevant for the ‘real world.’

Children often feel that there is a disconnect between their work and what they expect from life outside school. In fact, there is a lot of relevancy and you can assist in helping them to better understand it.

5. How to Cope With Homework Problems

Have you tried a number of approaches and methods only to find that your child still has a problem doing homework? This may be down to a massive workload that is difficult to manage or a learning problem.

Again, it’s important to talk to teachers if this is the case. You can better understand the workload and judge for yourself if it’s too big. Perhaps other children are also struggling and it’s indicative of too much work. Or perhaps your child is struggling to focus or learn adequately in class too and this is something you should be aware of.

Most importantly, be a pillar of support for your children for the times that they feel overwhelmed and stressed about their work. Remind them to take breaks and do something fun, as their mental health is the most important thing at the end of the day.

How Can You Give Homework Help?

Depending on your work responsibilities and daily routines, you may find it difficult to implement all of these strategies. Start by doing what you can do to provide homework help. Communicate with your children to understand their needs and talk to teachers to see where you can fill the gaps.

If you’re struggling with a busy schedule yet you’re concerned about your child’s homework, consider signing up for Pear Tree School’s Before and After School Care. Your child will have a homework-friendly space to complete their work as well as enrichment classes to learn important skills such as coding, cooking, and science.