Home
>
Helping with homework

Helping with homework

Helping, Homework, National, Curriculum, GCSE, Maths, English, Science, Kids, Fathers, Parent, Dad

You probably hated homework when you were young, and swore you’d never do it again. Well, things have a habit of repeating themselves, and now you’re having to help your child with their homework. If you did hate it try not to communicate this to your child and you’ll be helping secure your child’s future – and you’ll be a very proud Dad.

Your own ability

This is a great chance for you to learn. A surprisingly large proportion of the adult population can’t read or write properly, or have difficulty with numbers. The main reason they don’t seek help is embarrassment. If you or your partner have problems, get help – you’ll be rid of the embarrassment forever, and able to help your child. Call Get On (0800 66 0800) for help and advice.

“I learnt more than I care to admit from helping my child with their homework.”

Children today have a lot of homework to do. It’s an important part of the school curriculum helping them feel confident and less stressed about this is part of every Dad’s job.

How you can help

Ask them what homework they have, and make sure they have everything they need to do it. At the end, check and see if they’ve done everything.
Be interested in what they’re doing and try to make it fun.
Don’t make homework a battle ground.
Create space for your child to do their homework.
Create a fixed quiet time in the house – TV and music is off, or at least not on in the same room as the child.
Offer to help the child with some aspects of the homework. If they’re revising for a test, they might want you to ask them questions.
Give rewards and praise - they always work better than criticism.
If necessary, you may have to limit some activities like talking on the phone, watching TV, or surfing the net. You might even have to limit some out of school activities if they’re getting in the way.

Be sure to reward children when they work well at school.