Helping with homework

Avoiding homework meltdowns isn't easy but it can be done. If every week is a struggle try this:

Homework can be a nightmare for both parents and students but thankfully avoiding homework meltdowns can be done. If every week is a struggle here’s how to help your child with homework and get it done.

Problem: Your child doesn't want to do any homework

The battle about homework can be a battle over control. Your child starts fighting to have the right to decide when to do it, while you feel that your job as a parent is to make them do it. If this happens all the time and you are at a standoff let homework stay where it belongs—between the teacher and your child. Stay focused on your job, which is to encourage your child to do it but if they don’t let them feel the repercussions of their decision to help them find their motivation.

Problem: Your child doesn’t want to do school work at home 

Having a divide between what happens at school and what happens at home is understandable and if your child/teen feels this way you need to explain what homework is for and how it benefits their learning and ability to retain knowledge,

Problem: Your child finds the work hard

A major homework meltdown is often an indication that a child is struggling and doesn’t want to face the work or show you that they can’t do it. To help look over their homework before you sit with them and then ask them to explain it to you. If they can’t tell you what it’s about it may be a sign they need extra help at school or a tutor.

Problem: Your child would rather be doing something else

The problem with homework is there is always something more interesting to do. This is why it’s vital to create a homework structure, with a specific time and place for homework. Avoid getting into a continuous argument about it, or bribing scenario just remove distractions and tell them it needs to be done. 

Problem: You criticise the work they do at home

There’s a fine line between helping and doing too much. Does your child want to do homework alone and not show it to you? This could be a sign that you are overinvolved and too critical of what they have done. It’s important to encourage and help when asked, but overstepping will have an adverse effect.