How Much Should a Parent Help with Homework?

Asked by Nicholas on our Parent Webinar Series.

To effectively help with your child's homework, Johns Hopkins University's homework framework is highly recommended for parents. This framework involves three key strategies:

1. Monitor – Ensure your child is completing their homework by first asking about the tasks being set, establishing a regular, distraction-free study space, and supplying all necessary materials. Homework is not just about academic learning; it also helps students develop important life skills such as discipline, time management, and persistence.

2. Interact – Engage with your child to understand what they are working on. Discuss any difficulties they may face, providing a space for them to articulate their challenges and needs. Active involvement helps identify areas where they may need extra support.

3. Support – The key to helping your child succeed with homework is to provide the right kind of support:

• Don’t do it for them! – It's essential that your child tackles homework independently to build autonomy.

• Encourage and praise – Offer positive feedback for effort and persistence, especially when they encounter difficulties (check out our Crash Course on Mindset to learn why).

• Stay calm and positive – Your attitude can greatly influence their motivation to persist.

• Communicate with the school – If homework struggles persist, don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers for additional support.

  
  

By following these strategies, you can foster a productive and positive homework routine that sets your child up for academic success and helps them grow valuable life skills.

For more tips on supporting your child's homework routine, check out our Crash Course on Study Timetables.