Doing Homework at Home

I have talked with a lot of parents lately about the battle over homework at night. I think there comes a point where we may be doing more harm than good. Let me be clear that I am in favor of homework and it is CRITICAL that kids are reading and being read to every night. Teachers assign homework so that students can practice their skills. It is great if you are helping and checking, just make sure that the work they are doing is their own. It is important for teachers to know if a student is struggling with a concept and it is hard for them to know that if the homework always comes back correct.

Try setting up a homework routine every night. Let the students work independently while you are doing something else, but make sure you are available. For example, making dinner while they are working in the kitchen, or checking up on email while they are with you in the office. Make it an activity where you can stop easily and help, or you are close enough to remind them to stay on task. The other end of this is that they are responsible for their work. While you keep busy, it is their responsibility to do their homework. While you are there to help, you are not pulling them every step of the way. It may take some time, but if they realize that you are close by and willing to help, they will be more likely to put in some effort of their own.


Reward systems work well! Some kids are motivated by time and for others that is a distraction. Depending on your child, set a goal and then when they reach that goal they can get a break. For example, work for 15 minutes and then you can have a 3 minute break to draw. Or, finish 10 math problems and you can play on the computer for 5 minutes. The important thing is to be consistent and make sure if they are taking a break from homework that they know they have to get back to work when the break is over.

If it is a huge battle and your child is really struggling to understand the homework, let the teacher know. Send them an email or write a note in the planner. They will usually work with you, but don't make it a habit or you may teach your child that it is ok to make excuses. As a teacher, I always hate to hear, "My mom forgot to do my homework." It happens more often than you would think!