Helping kids with their homework is a big part of being a parent. Making sure they sit down to do it, helping them work out sums and understand what a sentence means. It can even be a pleasure to do so!
But this is also where you can really doubt your skills as a parent. When you look down at a homework sheet and just have no idea where to start, how are you even supposed to help them through it?! Well with the tips down below, you can be a top notch homework helper in no time.
Follow a Routine
Homework routines get kids used to having to do their homework. No longer is it an annoying chore they have to build up to. It’s just a normal part of their day to day life. And when we work at the same time each day, it tends to take less time to get through. But it’s up to you and your children to decide when the best time to do homework is. For some this is straight after school, for others it’s after dinner. Take a few days to work it out and then institute the rule!
Talk Through the Challenges
If your child finds it difficult to finish their homework, no matter what subject they’re doing or what the actual content is, talk about it. Don’t let them get overly frustrated about it or give up, actually talk through what’s going wrong and how it’s making them feel. If homework becomes a thing in their head that they ‘can’t’ do, they’re going to be less inclined to ever get it done as they grow up. Don’t let this habit sink in now, and be there for them when they really need it.
Go Back to School Yourself
Sometimes it’s all about your own education; maybe you were a bit of a truant at school and didn’t head to many lessons? Or maybe it’s been so long you can barely remember anything you’ve learned! If this is the case, the best things to do are hire an English Tutor or sign up for some online classes. Either way, heading back to school is the way to go here. If you can squeeze an hour of the day for it, you’ll be a great homework helper with just a bit of hard work.
Talk to the Teacher
Talking to your child’s teacher about the homework they set is a good way to get the inside scoop. Here you can learn what your child is like in class, as well as what their teacher thinks of their academic ability. They’ll be able to pinpoint certain problems better than you do, simply because they work with your child in a school setting. Finding this out as soon as possible will help you to help them.
Being a great homework helper doesn’t require being a superparent! You just need to figure out what works for you and your child.