How To Help Your Kids With Their Homework

Quiz them Familiarize yourself with your child’s subjects so you can design pop quizzes for him, as well as reinforce the material on car rides and while running errands. Make flash cards and run through them. Research has shown that frequent tests lead to better grades.

Dole out praise Be generous with praise when your child works hard to tackle a difficult subject. If the only time you talk about homework is when he’s doing something wrong, you won’t provide the encouragement he needs to do things well.

Limit the video games Confiscate his game console during the school week. One study found that adolescents who play video games spend 30% less time reading and 34% less time doing homework than kids who don’t.

Be nearby Be nearby when your child is doing his homework so you can monitor his progress and answer questions. For example, set up his homework area in the kitchen, so you can oversee his work while preparing dinner.

Speak to the teacher If your child consistently has trouble getting his homework done, arrange a meeting with his teacher to get input on why he’s having trouble and what can be done to resolve the problem.

Investigate after-school programs Investigate after-school homework programs. Some libraries—both school and public—have homework centers where children can do their work and get one-on-one assistance.

Dole out praise Be generous with praise when your child works hard to tackle a difficult subject. If the only time you talk about homework is when he’s doing something wrong, you won’t provide the encouragement he needs to do things well.