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How to Help Your Older Child with Homework

Parents sometimes dread homework as much as their children do. It doesn't have to be that way. Homework can be another way to connect to your child, a chance to participate in their life at school, and a way to strengthen your child's academic skills.

In the elementary grades, communication between school and home is typically systematic and effective. Teachers may send homework and school notices home daily, or at least weekly, with a folder system. They often call or email, or even chat with parents as they pick up their kids from school.

In the secondary grades, these methods of communication tend to fall by the wayside. Secondary teachers often have a large number of students throughout the day, and they may feel it is time for the student to take responsibility for their assignments and homework. By the time parents know of a problem, it may already be a crisis!

How can you prevent this?

Communicate with your child. You don't have to be an expert in every academic subject to be interested. You can sympathize, commiserate, and encourage even if you don't fully understand the assignment. Not many of us can sit down after 20 or 30 years and work algebra problems, but we can certainly help find resources and show confidence in our child.

Communicate with your child's teachers. Most schools now have websites with email contacts for faculty members. Failing that, contact the school office and ask for email addresses and conference times for your child's teachers. Be persistent and courteous. Most teachers are appreciative of parents who take the time to show some interest in their child's progress.

Teach your child to organize and prioritize. Sometimes students simply feel overwhelmed with all the assignments and projects. Learning to plan out and prioritize is a skill that they will need in pursuing further education or employment. Help them break down the large projects into steps, so they are not caught at the deadline with too much to do.

Have your child maintain a planner/calendar. Let your child pick out a planner for a few dollars at a discount store. Some schools even provide these for their students. Or, have your child maintain a planner/calendar on his cellphone or laptop. However, it's best if they can access it during school hours, and that may be prohibited on cellphones.

Provide a place for school work in the home. Think about your child's strengths and preferences. If the child prefers solitude and quiet, the bedroom might be the best place. If she would rather not be isolated from the family, a corner of the living room or kitchen might be most effective. The key is to stress the importance of education in the home, and that school work comes before play and recreation.

Seek out resources for your child. The internet is bursting with tutoring websites and information, but it can be overwhelming for a child of junior high or high school age. They need adult guidance when searching for and narrowing down reliable sources.

If you believe in your child, he will believe in himself. Sometimes your child may be missing some background knowledge, or need to go over lesson material again. Often, though, a child needs someone to express confidence that they can work through and achieve academic goals. They need that individual reassurance that they can tackle the task at hand.

As a parent, you are in a unique position to encourage, guide, and facilitate your child's journey through school.

Learn more about this author, Joyce Gray.
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