Now that school is well underway, the homework is starting to come home. The question “Should I Help My Kids With Homework?” is a common one.
So what is the right thing to do? Should you help your kids with homework? The answer is not a clear-cut “yes” or “no”.
Studies have shown that there is no clear connection between parental involvement in homework and improved student performance. In fact, one study showed that parental involvement, including homework help, can have a negative effect on a child’s academic achievement.
Research has shown that the children of parents who give their kids independence and control over their own work, are better able to complete tasks by themselves. Meanwhile, the children of parents who intervene and manage every detail of their child’s performance tend to give up when faced with challenges.
While homework should be a review and practice of what has already been taught in the classroom, I don’t see anything wrong with a parent giving a child some guidance with homework if needed. But let’s define “help”.
If the child is having a great deal of trouble with homework, parents should help them to understand the questions and instructions. I’m talking about offering guidance and assistance in understanding the homework, lesson or problem itself – not helping to complete the work. I don’t think parents should flat out give the answers – instead, they can offer guidance and direction.
Some children need extra support.
I have seen this first-hand; as a parent of a child who has trouble with certain subjects, I can’t simply sit there and watch my child struggle to understand the question, and reach a level of frustration without assisting him somehow.
“Help” from parents shouldn’t be completing the work themselves, editing creative works including essays, or giving out the answers in math. It’s counterproductive when parents micromanage their kids work – and teachers know when their parents have done the work for them!
Instead, parents should offer clarification of the instructions, to help the child understand what is being asked of him/her. I think it’s perfectly alright to offer guidance to children who need the extra support.
Stay tuned on tips on how to effectively help your child with his/her homework.
Do you help your kids with homework?
