Helping Children Get the Most from Doing Their Homework

There have been many research studies conducted that demonstrate the benefits of having children do homework, both to reinforce lessons learned in class and to encourage an interest in learning on their own.

According to these studies, children who spend more time on meaningful, regular homework assignments do much better in school than those who do not. Because of the active and busy lifestyles of parents and children nowadays, sometimes, it seems as though children are given too much homework.

But because scholastic abilities are more important than extracurricular ones when it comes to future career success, it is well worth it to help your child get the most out of completing his or her assignments regularly.

When planning your child's schedule for activities outside school, such as sports, church, youth clubs, or social gatherings, you should assume that your child will have studying to do every weeknight. Be sure your child knows that you think homework is important, and you expect him to tackle it no matter how challenging or boring it may seem.

Discuss his stuff and ask if he understood the assignments. If he's having trouble completing something, you may want to sit with him and work a few examples together, helping him understand how to complete the assignment.

Whatever you do, DON'T do your child's homework for him. Instead, help him learn how to do it himself, and help him learn how to ask meaningful questions and do the research necessary to complete an assignment.

Ask your kid to show you his completed work after it is returned by the teacher, so you can find out if there are any areas where he is having any trouble. This will also give you insight as to whether or not your child is meeting the teacher's goals for learning.

Stay in touch with your child's teachers, and be as involved in parent activities as your schedule allows. Ask teachers how you can support the curriculum they are teaching, and ask your school if they have any particular tips or guidelines for helping your child develop good study habits.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with a teacher if your kid doesn't understand an assignment, or if you feel an assignment is unwarranted or too difficult for your child.

If your child is having trouble with homework, he or she may also be having trouble in class, so catching problems early will allow you and your child to overcome educational challenges, before they become insurmountable.

Do your best to encourage your child to look forward to homework and the challenges it presents. Help him learn to do it himself and take pride in his work. Make it a habit to praise him regularly for doing well.

For a younger child, proudly display his best work. For an older child, reward accomplishments with special treats or allowing him to participate in an activity he enjoys.

If he has trouble keeping track of long-term or weekly homework, help him learn to organize assignments by recording them on calendars or planners, along with due dates and dates turned in.

Remember, you and your child's teachers have the same goal with homework―to help your child learn. Help support the teachers, and ultimately your child, by ensuring that he gets the most out of doing homework.