15 Tips for Parents Helping Children with Homework by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

15 Tips for Parents Helping Children with Homework by Mrs. Dorothy Barron
Parents, as a way to say thank you for participating in the "Parents, Take the Survey," I have written, compiled and am providing a list of 15 Tips for Parents to assist with helping your children with homework.

• Parents, make sure you understand the homework assignment (there's nothing like getting into a homework assignment or even assisting your child with completing it to discover that you both failed to do what was required (follow instructions) or have the child return with a failing grade on the assignment because of your instructions to go above the specified assignment.
• Find an undisturbed place and limit distractions.
• Take care of you and your child's needs, distractions and foreseeable interruptions prior to working on homework.
• Give your child the opportunity to explain to you what he/she knows and understands about the assignment as well as what he/she does not understand (such assists with listening skills from both parties).
• Observe and work with your child to determine the best time for your child to complete his/her homework (immediately after school, after a brief period of recess and relaxation, or after dinner).
• Schedule a school conference if there is much difficulty with homework.
• Sit in on the class- observe the teacher's teaching method and collaborate in an effort to effectively assist the child with the subject and homework.
• Do not continue assisting your child when you, especially, and the child becomes frustrated.
• Praise your child for both trying and for succeeding at homework assignments.
• Do not be afraid to tell your child you do not know; find the answers together.
• Do not compete with the child.
• Do not work against the child; work with the child.
• Do not feel as if you are a failure if you cannot teach your child a particular skill (there are different styles of teaching and different styles of learning), the most important factor is that your child learns. Consider all the other wonderful and important things that you have and will continue to teach your child.
• If unable to assist your child with his/her homework, check with your school, area or state to find a homework hotline. However, you should remain involved; I caution you to know who is instructing your child, specifically in what and how?
• Have Fun! Your child later in life most likely will not recall all he/she learned from you, but most will remember experiences with you; so parents- make those experiences positive ones.

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author
Former Co-founder& Director of Parents Focused on Education