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 the desk with them. 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 something themselves!
Here are some tips to help guide the way:
1. Know the teachers — and what they’re looking for. Attend parent-teacher conferences and stay in close touch with your child’s teachers. Ask about their homework policies and how you should be involved.
2. Set up a homework-friendly area. Create a regular and familiar place for your child. The consistency will imprint work ethic and focus.
3. 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. You and your child can determine the best time, then make it consistent.
4. Help them make a plan. On heavy homework nights or when there’s an especially hefty assignment to tackle, encourage your child to break up the work into manageable chunks.
5. Encourage your child to take breaks. A 10-15 minute break for every hour, is a good rule of thumb. Help him or her get a little exercise, a snack, or both.
6. Keep distractions to a minimum. This means no TV, loud music, texting or cel phone use at all.
7. Make sure kids do their own work. We want them to think for themselves and to make their own mistakes. Learn how to give suggestions and be supportive without doing the work for them.
8. Be a motivator and monitor. Ask about assignments, quizzes, and exams. Give encouragement, check completed homework, and make yourself available for questions and concerns.
9. Set a good example. Do you have work you can do at the same time? Even sit next to them? Take your laptop and do your work with them. The camaraderie does good for their concentration. It also gives a good example.
10. Praise their work and efforts. Post an Ace’d test or art project on the refrigerator. Mention academic achievements to relatives.
Written by Leading Edge Tutors
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