Homework is one of the mainstays of many educational systems. For many people, homework reinforces what was previously learnt in the classroom, and creates habits of work and discipline. It’s extra work for children, but also for parents: checking, helping and making sure that our little ones (and our not so little ones!) do their homework.
Even though parents have their responsibility, they should never actually do the homework. If we are aware of the most common mistakes parents make when doing homework with their children, it will help them be more successful and solve problems. Parents should be trainers, organizing and advising so that their children’s performance improves.Don’t miss a stitch!
-
Homework time
No doubt it isn’t the first time that because of daily stress and hurry, your children have done their homework anywhere they can: in the kitchen while you are making dinner, in the living-room while they watch television … It’s very important to make sure that homework time is always in the same place. A quiet atmosphere with no distractions will help them understand that their homework is important and that we take it seriously.
-
Complaining about the amount
We should accept the teacher’s decision and never let children know if we think they have too much homework or that it is too difficult. If you do think this, you should inform the school or the teacher, but never your children. Don’t forget that we are preparing them for life, and life is full of work and effort.
-
Help them find the answer
We should never do their homework for them. Finding the answer together is a good option for trying to solve the problem as it involves them in the work.
-
Creating anxiety
We should not insist or get angry if our children find it hard or have doubts. They can and should ask their teacher the next day. Creating anxiety only leads to failure and being afraid of doing it wrong.
Have you ever made any of these mistakes? We should take their need for presence and support seriously, leaving our smartphones to one side and being there for our children. It is important to maintain good communication with the teacher, to stay calm and make them see what they are capable of if they pay attention. Now it’s your turn!
