Tips for Parents on Homework

The To Do's		The Don'ts
Provide a well-lit, comfortable, quite location with necessary supplies on hand.		Don't allow your child to do homework in a distracting environment.
Write or post on a daily schedule a time set aside each day for homework. Give your child the message that homework is a #1 priority.		Don't make homework as the last thing scheduled into your child's day. Don't give the message that homework is squeezed in between other activities.
For children grades K-3, schedule homework time when parents are available to give help. Break down work into smaller steps. If necessary, establish a homework log for teachers and parent to initial daily.		Don't forget that parents' support and encouragement are correlated with children's academic success. Be involved, interested, and committed to the importance of homework.
Encourage your child to work independently. Homework teaches children responsibility. If your child lacks confidence or needs encouragement, read the directions together and get him/her started with the first problem. Give help only after he/she makes an effort on their own.		Do not do your child's work for him/her, you will only confirm his/her belief that he is incapable of doing it, resulting in his feeling more overwhelmed the next time he/she has homework.
If your child does not understand and the assignment, contact the teacher to discuss his difficulty or to observe in class whether he/she is paying attention and comprehending the lesson. Make the teacher your partner and work together in helping your child.		Don't feel it is your responsibility to teach your children concepts or to correct their work. This can cause conflicts.
If necessary, give your child extra incentives i.e. a meaningful reward or point system. However communicate that giving incentives is your choice.		Don't allow your child to extort rewards or involve you in a power struggle i.e. "I won't do it unless you give me something." Set firm limits when your child threatens.
Your child must use the entire scheduled homework time everyday to do some type of academic activity i.e. reading, review, or math practice.		Don't allow a child to race through homework, resulting in messy, incorrect work. Don't accept a child's excuse that he "Forgot" to bring work home, or that he has "no homework."
Communicate your confidence in your child's ability. Praise specific behavior and show appreciation for your child's efforts.		Don't focus on negative behavior. Don't make comments i.e. "this looks like a chicken scratch! Can't you get moving without me hassling you?" Don't be too general when praising, i.e. "You're doing a good job."
Communicate assertively that your child must do his/her homework. Use the "broken record" technique when your child tries to argue. e.g. keep repeating "I understand, but I want you to do your homework now." Even though the work is boring, children must learn to persevere and complete tasks.		Do not beg, argue, or ask pointless questions i.e. "How many times do I have to talk to you about your homework?"
Tell your child that the choice is theirs, either do the homework or have privileges suspended till he finishes. Your child will choose to sit at their desk if it takes all night; it is his choice. Be consistent, calm, firm, and in control.		Don't make meaningless threats of punishment, i.e. "You're gonna do your homework or else!" Don't let your child manipulate you by giving in to their crying and screaming. remember they are trying to test you.
Show the value of reading by reading yourself, reading to your children, and having them read to you.		Don't forget to show your children the importance of reading.
© Adapted from Homework Without Tears, by Lee Canter. 1987. Barbara Cleland, School Psychologist Back to Dingeman's Home Page Back to Parent Page © Copyright Dingeman School 2000 This page was created by Barb Anderson, Web Developer. Send email to me with questions or comments about this page.