Getting your child do their own homework...

Help

Whatever you do to help your child do their homework, don't lose sight of whose assignment it really is. Sure it will help the child in getting higher grades if you edit, rewrite and change the answers, but it will lead to your child becoming less confident learners. Keep in mind that the ultimate goal is INDEPENDENCE.

Provide Directions - But not Directions

Many children do need help with homework, but it is important to help in ways that will lead to independence. Consider this: Before they've even glanced at the directions, kids often will show parents a worksheet and say, "I don't get it." Kids know what they're doing; why spend time figuring out directions if you can get Mom or Dad to explain what to do? In these cases, rather than reading the directions to yourself and then explaining them, ask your child to read the directions aloud to you. This strategy enables kids to hear the directions, which is often all that's needed to make the assignment clear.

Offer Guidance and Support When Needed

If your child is one who needs individual support and attention both at school and at home, tackle the assignments one at a time. Go over the directions and materials with your child, making sure he is clear about what needs to be done. Talk about what needs to be completed — even if it is only a portion of the assignment—and then disappear. As always, the goal is to nurture and help your child believe in her ability to be successful.