Helping children with homework can be challenging at times, but as a parent, foster carer, or guardian, you play an important role in supporting your child’s learning at home. Here are six tips for making homework time more productive and less stressful.
Provide an Optimal Study Space
Set up a comfortable, distraction-free area for your child to work. Make sure they have a clear desk or table, proper lighting, and the supplies they need readily available. Minimise noise and foot traffic around the workspace. Having a dedicated study space sends the signal that it’s time to focus.
Establish a Consistent Homework Routine
Set a regular homework routine and keep it consistent. Choose a specific time and place for homework each day that coordinates with family schedules. After-school hours before dinner can be ideal. Post the schedule visibly as a reminder and motivate your child to take ownership of their routine.
Limit Electronics and Social Media
Power down televisions, mobile devices, computers and other electronics during homework time. These can be hugely distracting and reduce productivity for children. Gently discourage social media, texting, videos and calls until assignments are complete.
Provide Guidance, Not Direct Answers
Don’t give away answers – this won’t help them learn. Instead, ask strategic questions to steer your child’s thinking and encourage problem-solving. Praise effort, not just correctness.
Monitor Challenging Assignments
Check in occasionally to assess their comprehension of more complex homework. If your child is struggling, encourage them to take a short break. Offer clarification of instructions. Suggest but don’t force practical solutions. Don’t take over – the goal is expanding skills.
Communicate with Teachers
Talk to their teachers if the assignments seem unclear or too challenging for your child. Don’t hesitate to ask for details on how homework reinforces classroom learning. Attend back-to-school nights and parent-teacher conferences to stay informed. If you are fostering a child, be aware that the child may have experienced disrupted schooling, so make sure teachers are aware of this.
Foster Independence and Responsibility
Provide support but remember homework is ultimately the child’s responsibility. Mistakes will happen – resist the urge to fix them. Patience, communication and monitoring go a long way in making homework an enriching experience. With your guidance, it can boost skills, independence and confidence.
Adjust Support as Needed
The type of homework support needed will evolve as your child ages. Customise your approach based on maturity and capabilities. Offer more hands-on help to younger children that fades as they become more self-directed.
Make Homework About Learning, Not Perfection
Focus on effort and completion of homework, rather than nitpicking every detail. Learning involves trial and error. Praise perseverance, not just accuracy. Celebrate small wins to motivate children to keep trying.
The key is providing a studious environment and monitoring progress while encouraging your child to take responsibility for their homework. With a bit of help and support from you, homework will soon become a quiet time instead of a battleground of wills. And if your child appears to be struggling more than you expect, have a word with their teacher to find out if there is additional help available.
