When a child starts to go to school, they come home with homework. This task done at home is intended to practice and better understand points included in the lessons tackled in school.
Should Parents Help?
According to studies, children develop critical skills faster when they work in a team; thus a homework. The involvement of parents can help children in understanding concepts better.
So the answer to the question: "Should parents help kids with homework?" is YES!
Although you have to remember that the operational word is "help." Some parents tend to overboard and do the homework instead of only helping their children. That includes giving them the answers instead of helping them find the answer.
When parents choose to just give the answers out of convenience, it sends a message to their children that they are not smart enough to do their own work. Also, it tends to cause children to lack independence and even critical skills.
How Should Parents Help?
Help should come in the form of guidance. What parents should do is to provide children with understanding and support when doing homework. More than the answer, that is what children need.
Another way to help kids is by asking them relevant questions about the homework. Some of these questions could be:
- What is the actual assignment?
- What is it that you don't understand?
If children are experiencing homework overload, try to help them by dividing the assignment into smaller tasks. Allow them to take a break after each task so that they can manage all of the required tasks.
Another challenge for parents is when children do not want to do the assignment. For kids to be encouraged, parents may opt to explain to children how some topics are very important in life. That way, children could be appreciative of what they are doing.
The Upside of Help from Parents
When parents assist children with homework, kids can benefit from it in the long run. Some of these include:
- Improved Communication
When students can explain the homework to parents, they practice communicating and explaining complex thoughts.
- Proper Time Management
Sometimes, kids have difficulty in concentrating on studying, that is why they tend to procrastinate or lose track of time. When children are under the supervision of their parents, they can keep track of time. Eventually, they can manage their time well on their own.
- Motivation and Inspiration
Through the guidance of parents when doing homework, children learn the essence of motivation. Because they are tasked to do things on their own, this teaches them that they cannot do other stuff (like playing) unless they are done with their homework.
What good can parents get if they help?
When parents help their children with their homework, they get involved in the learning process of their children. Likewise, parents are able to assess whether the topics children study are appropriate for them. In case some topics are deemed inappropriate, this could be reported to teachers for suitable action.
Helping children with their homework also encourages parents to be an active part of their children's school life.
