Kids are more successful in school when parents take an active interest in their
homework — it shows kids that what they do is important.
Of course, helping with homework shouldn't mean spending hours hunched over a desk.
Parents can be supportive by demonstrating study and organization skills, explaining
a tricky problem, or just encouraging kids to take a break. And who knows? Parents
might even learn a thing or two!
Here are some tips to guide the way:
- Know the teachers — and what they're looking for.
Attend school events, such as parent-teacher conferences, to meet your child's teachers.
Ask about their homework policies and how you should be involved.
- Set up a homework-friendly area. Make sure kids have a well-lit
place to complete homework. Keep supplies — paper, pencils, glue, scissors —
within reach.
- Schedule a regular study time. Some kids work best in the afternoon,
following a snack and play period; others may prefer to wait until after dinner.
- Help them make a plan. On heavy homework nights or when there's
an especially hefty assignment to tackle, encourage your child break up the work into
manageable chunks. Create a work schedule for the night if necessary — and take
time for a 15-minute break every hour, if possible.
- Keep distractions to a minimum. This means no TV, loud music,
or phone calls. (Occasionally, though, a phone call to a classmate about an assignment
can be helpful.)
- Make sure kids do their own work. They won't learn if they don't
think for themselves and make their own mistakes. Parents can make suggestions and
help with directions. But it's a kid's job to do the learning.
- Be a motivator and monitor. Ask about assignments, quizzes, and
tests. Give encouragement, check completed homework, and make yourself available for
questions and concerns.
- Set a good example. Do your kids ever see you diligently balancing
your budget or reading a book? Kids are more likely to follow their parents' examples
than their advice.
- Praise their work and efforts. Post an aced test or art project
on the refrigerator. Mention academic achievements to relatives.
- If there are continuing problems with homework, get help. Talk
about it with your child's teacher. Some kids have trouble seeing the board and may
need glasses; others might need an evaluation for a learning problem or attention
disorder.
