Helping Children Get the Most from Doing Their Homework

There have been many research studies conducted that demonstrate the benefits of having children do homework, both to reinforce lessons learned in class and to encourage an interest in learning on their own. According to these studies, children who spend more time on meaningful, regular homework assignments do much better in school than those who do not. Because of the active and busy lifestyles of parents and children nowadays, sometimes it seems as though children are given too much homework. But because scholastic abilities are more important than extracurricular ones when it comes to future career success, it is well worth it to help your child get the most out of completing homework assignments regularly.

When planning your child’s schedule for activities outside of school, such as sports, church activities, youth clubs, or social gatherings, you should assume that your child will have studying to do every weeknight. Be sure your child knows that you think homework is important, and you expect them to tackle it no matter how challenging or boring it may seem to them. If you are not home while your child is doing homework, be sure they know that you will be following up with them after you get home. Always ask to see your child’s completed homework before going to bed, to be sure they have completed it.

Discuss your child’s homework and ask if they understand the assignments. If they’re having trouble completing something, you may want to sit with them and work a few examples together, helping them understand how to complete the assignment. Whatever you do, DON’T do your children’s homework for them. Instead, help them learn how to do it themselves, and help them learn how to ask meaningful questions and do the research necessary to complete an assignment. Ask your children to show you their homework after it is returned by the teacher, so you can find out if there are any areas where they are having trouble. This will also give you insight as to whether or not your child is meeting the teacher’s goals for learning.

Ask your children about their classes and have regular discussions about what they are studying. Stay in touch with your children’s teachers and be as involved in parent activities as your schedule allows. Ask teachers how you can support the curriculum they are teaching, and ask your school if they have any particular tips or guidelines for helping your children develop good study habits. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with a teacher if your child doesn’t understand an assignment or if you feel a homework assignment is unwarranted or too difficult for your child. If your child is having trouble with homework, he or she may also be having trouble in class, so catching problems early will allow you and your child to overcome educational challenges before they become insurmountable.

Do your best to encourage your child to look forward to homework and the challenges it presents. Help them learn to do homework themselves and take pride in their work. Make it a habit to praise your child regularly for doing well. For younger children, proudly display their best work. For older children, reward accomplishments with special treats or allowing them to participate in an activity they enjoy. If children have trouble keeping track of long-term or weekly homework, help them learn to organize assignments by recording them on calendars or planners, along with due dates and dates turned in. There are many websites devoted to helping your child meet the challenges of homework and succeed in school, so your computer can be a valuable tool for helping your child excel in school. Just be sure that your child uses the Internet for research only, and not as a distraction from doing their own work.

Remember, you and your child’s teachers have the same goal with homework—to help your child learn. Help support your child’s teachers and ultimately your child by ensuring that your child gets the most out of doing homework.