It can be hard for parents to know how best to support their child when it comes to homework. Should they be left to their own devices to develop independence? Or is it better to get involved and show them how it’s done?

Dr Cooper is an American psychologist who has conducted extensive research into how homework relates to school performance and family life. He says the appropriate amount of parent involvement in homework differs depending on the age and ability level of the student.

“Obviously, young children will require more parent involvement than teens,” Dr Cooper says. “An individual child’s study habits and motivation also need to be considered. If a child has a longer attention span and interest in learning, it means parents can back off and help only when asked.”

To help your child with their homework, Dr Cooper recommends the following:

1. Be a stage manager. Make sure your child has a quiet, well-lit place to do homework. Make sure the needed materials (paper, pencils, dictionary) are available.

2. Be a motivator. Homework provides a great opportunity for you to tell your child how important school is. Be positive about homework. The attitude you express about homework will be the attitude your child acquires.

3. Be a role model. When your child does homework, don’t sit and watch TV. If your child is reading, you read too. If your child is doing math, balance your check book. Help your child see that the skills they are practicing are related to things you do as an adult.

4. Be a monitor. Watch your child for signs of failure and frustration. If your child asks for help, provide guidance, not answers. If frustration sets in, suggest a short break.

5. Be a mentor. When the teacher asks that you play a role in homework, do it. If homework is meant to be done alone, stay away. Homework is a great way for kids to develop independent, life-long learning skills. Over-involvement can be a bad thing.

Want to know more about the advantages and disadvantages of homework? And how much time children should be spending on homework each night? Find out what Dr Harris Cooper had to say about the great homework debate here.

How to help children with homework

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