Providing Kids Help With Homework

Learning When to Provide Guidance

The best way for parents to know what their child is learning at school is by providing their kids help with homework. It brings children and parents together. It helps to have a routine for when the assignments are completed and have boundaries as to what type of help is given. It’s important to never give the solution. Help them figure out where they’re struggling and gently guide your child through the learning process, providing encouragement once they discover the right answers.

If they struggle understanding a concept or question, have them read it out loud and then ask leading questions. Sometimes showing them how to break the homework up into the smaller parts makes it much more manageable and they’re suddenly capable of completing the assigned homework. Always be supportive and provide suggestions and advice when needed. More importantly, a parent should never do their child’s homework. This fosters poor attitudes and work habits. Instead, it’s better to help them develop confidence and learn responsibility.

Learning When to Step Back

When providing kids help with homework, it’s important to show support, but it’s also important to know when to step back. Many times they might not even need help with their homework. Let them sit down and complete the assigned tasks and do it on their own. Encourage them to do this by themselves, as it fosters skills they’ll need for their entire life. They will have times when the homework is difficult, so discuss it with them. Then step back and see how they do. Offer constructive criticism, but never take an active role. It’s important they never become dependent on you.

Be Supportive

It’s important for a parent to be supportive when they provide kids help with homework. Sometimes it means knowing that professional help or a specific learning device is needed for understanding a concept. There’s nothing wrong with this, so never allow pride to get in the way of what your child needs.