Homework Challenges - How Much Help Should Parents Provide?

How are concerned parents supposed to help their kids with Homework? It seems that many parents are conflicted, feeling inadequate or discouraged about homework--especially when their kids get frustrated, angry or give up.

Many teachers suggest that kids spend 10 minutes per grade level on homework--at home. That translates to 20 minutes for a 2nd grader, 80 minutes for an 8th grader and 2 hours for a senior in high school. How should you participate in their homework assignments?

It's not your job to "teach" your child the subjects they are learning in school. Teaching is best left to the professionals--especially as education and the education process has changed since we were all in school. So, what's an anxious parent do to help?

Set a specific time for homework

Most kids need a little break from "school work" when they get home. A snack after school and/or some time to play is important. But, kids also need structure if they are going to willingly get down to work. As each child is unique, the best learning/working time depends upon your child's disposition and energy variations. But the important thing is to determine a consistent time and place so your child is accustomed to settling into the block of time to focus upon school work.

Reinforce the "process" of homework--not the content

Don't intrude into your child's subject activity unless the child is totally frustrated. Instead of rolling up your sleeves and sharpening your pencil and working out the actual homework assignment yourself, your task is to encourage your child to revisit what the teacher talked about in class from your child's viewpoint.

--Ask: What did the teacher say about.....?

How did you do it at school today.....?

What do you think the teacher wants you to do?

--If appropriate break the homework assignment into chunks. If there are several problems to tackle (or several questions or several items in the assignment), encourage your child to tackle them one at a time.

-- When your child has successfully solved the problem or answered the question, give him/her a cheer, pat on the back or a "high five". This reinforces your confidence that he/she CAN DO IT--your confidence is contagious.

Don't reward "helpless" behavior

If your child is ready to go ballistic with fear, inadequacy or frustration, you may need to postpone the homework session until your child is relaxed again. Kids can't learn if their self-talk is screaming that they can't "get it". The key word is "postpone". The homework still needs to be done but your child may need to calm down in order to focus.

Avoid inadvertently rewarding your student for emotional outbreaks or helpless behaviors. Make certain you don't fall into the guilt trap letting him/her off the hook to play video games or watch TV. Instead move on to a subject in which he/she feels confident and successful. Or, encourage your child to use the remainder of his/her homework time (remember the 10 minute rule), to read a book with you or talk about other subjects in school that he/she enjoys.

Be a "Partner" in your child's education

Remember, it isn't your job to teach your kids the subjects they are studying in school. If your child is truly over-challenged by his/her homework, get more info from the teacher.

1. Meet with the teacher--find out what the teacher would like you to do. Talk about your observations, your child's frustration and your desire to help.
2. Find out if there are additional resources you can use to reinforce what your child is learning. Are their non-school books or experiences that you can use to supplement your child's in-class learning.
3. Be open to any ideas that the teacher has to help your child at home. Each child is unique and the teacher may have more than one way to reach your unique child.

Tackling Homework is usually a joint project in most families. It's important for your child to do his part (do the work) and for you to do yours (support your child's effort). For more ideas about how to approach Homework and Effective Learning, you're invited to visit: http://www.HomeworkSuccessNetwork.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judy_Armes

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