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Young children usually “take in” as much as they can and literally study all the time. When your child comes home from school, he/she has already spent several hours of studying and playing. Studying at school is important because it allows a child to learn formal content as well as interpersonal content from his or her friends.

When time comes to study at home, it is the parent’s responsibility to educate the child. Again, this consists of the formal content (what was done that day at school) and the interpersonal content (the parent is the role-model and the child is always looking up to their mum and dad).

Here are just some ideas on how you can support the child at every stage of their homework:

1. Before doing homework

Some simple things can be arranged before the child comes home from school in order to make the house an easier place to study.

Help the child to get into a learning mode – let him relax after school.

Give him the opportunity to share his day with you.

Remember: you are not his teacher, though you are still a leader and he looks    up to you for support.

Designate a specific area for studying – this is most likely to be a desk in a room away from the T.V. and other distractions.

It is best to let the child choose the venue himself. This will encourage independence and commitment.

Television – children usually have a hard time concentrating on two things together. If your child is watching T.V. he is probably not concentrating in doing his homework. Make sure it’s turned off when he comes home.

2. While doing homework

The beginning – the start is always the difficult part.

Try to assist him at this stage and be close enough later to offer guidance.

This also shows the child you care enough to be involved with his activities.

Show involvement – give the child feedback about his progress. This includes encouragement and comments like “very nice. Let’s try the next exercise!”.

Pay special attention to areas that are more difficult because learning to cope is one of the most important skills.

Be involved – if you see your child has a weak area you can get him more focused help, like a private teacher or driving him to joint studying groups.

Cell phone – this can be tricky. As long as the phone is used to consult friends about something learned today it’s ok.

Dictionary – be sure a dictionary is nearby in case of need.

Routine and stability – set regular homework time.

3. After doing homework

Check the homework with the child – help your child get feedback on his work. Don’t criticize if there are mistakes. Correct them together! You will not have enough time to do that every time, and sometimes your child will hand imperfect homework. This is also good as it allows him to learn from mistakes: it is his homework, you are only helping.

Organize study projects – let your child experience irregular work. This helps develop basic curiosity. Reward these projects in a different way to encourage pro activeness. For example it your child learned about offering help, ask him to read about a famous figure in history that is known for that virtue.

Message – don’t pressure your child for perfection. Encourage him to give it his best, and hope for good results.

Teacher – try to be in regular contact with the teacher. Be sure you are informed if the teacher thinks your child has specific areas he has trouble with.

It can be easy for us to help the child too much. After all, we all want our children to get good grades. But remember, a child today is a person tomorrow, and that means not deciding for him and letting him make the effort himself. Let your child enjoy the journey: With the correct guidance he will reach his goals!

Tags: better parenting, parenting information, parenting skills

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