Helping Children with Homework

Although children and their parents often dread homework, it provides an important opportunity for children to practice what they have learned in school, get more in-depth information, apply skills learned more broadly, obtain important learning and organizational skills, and learn how to work independently with self-discipline. Homework can also give parents a sense of what their children are doing in school and how well they are doing. And homework can even enhance parents' relationships with their children.

Here are some tips on things you can do to help your children with homework.

1. Get the whole family involved by setting a regular family quiet time for working. Provide your child with a comfortable and well-lit place where they can do homework, such as a desk or a kitchen table with a chair. Minimize distractions by turning off the TV and making video games off-limits during quiet time.

2. Make sure that your child has pens, pencils, notebook paper, and any other needed supplies. Know where to direct your child to get information they may need, such as a school. a course website, a homework hotline, other children in the class, or a teacher's help before or after school .

3. Think of yourself as a coach to your children, providing assistance on what to do next if they get stuck, checking over their work when they are finished, or even helping them practice testing themselves on new skills. Showing interest in their work and encouraging their efforts can be a boost for your children and help them find greater success in school.