Who’s putting the “Work” in “Homework?”
Many parents can relate to the struggles that homework can create each and every night. Although, at times, it may seem more frustrating than anything else, homework provides an opportunity to practice and integrate what your child has been learning. It also lets the teacher see how your child is doing…so resist doing it for him!
What is your role as the parent during homework time?
Your child has a better chance of being successful during homework time if he feels you are interested in what he is doing. It lets him know that what he is doing is important. You can show your support by doing the following:
- Demonstrating organizational skills
- Doing your own work with them (i.e. paying bills, reading, etc.)
- Offering help or breaks when you notice frustration (kidshealth.org, 2011).
Homework ultimately helps your child develop healthy “habits of mind” such as learning how to organize, manage time, and problem solve, all of which help to grow his awesome executive functioning skills needed in life (Dawson, 2001).
As a general rule of thumb, children are expected do 10 minutes of homework for each grade level. For example, first graders do 10 minutes, second graders do 20 minutes, and so on…
If you notice your child is spending more time on their homework than necessary, weak executive functioning skills could be the culprit. Discuss your concerns with your child’s teacher or download our Executive Skills Checklist by Age.
Works Cited: Homework: A Guide for Parents By Peg Dawson, EdD, NCSP , Seacoast Mental Health Center, Portsmouth, NH