Six-Point Plan for Homework

The most common concern families have during the school year is the battle around homework. Generally speaking, what is an adequate amount of time spent on homework?

Grade     Time per Day
1-3        10- 45 minutes
4-6        45-90 minutes
7-9        1-2 hours
10-12    1.5-2.5 hours

Most of us have heard this before. Your daughter comes to you at 9 p.m. and says she’s got a ton of homework to do. It can get later and later as the year goes on. How can we nip that in the bud and get started on the right foot?

One thing you should not do is accept the responsibility for your daughter’s homework. It is more helpful for both of you if you establish the rules and then let her create and manage her homework schedule.

Your best approach to the "eliminate homework hassle" is to use this six-point plan:

1. Have your daughter do homework in a private area or in a separate room. Don’t allow TV or radio to distract her.
2. Your daughter should receive help only if she asks for it - don’t ask and don’t rush in if you hear screaming in frustration.
3. You can and should sometimes help with homework. If she is really stuck, help her by backing through the steps, starting the problem over, or asking questions that will lead her to the answers. It’s fine to give a final check if you just indicate which items are incorrect and let her rework them.
4. It’s okay to refuse to help if you feel your daughter is only asking because she wants you to do it for her. Let her know that homework is her responsibility, just as your job is your responsibility.
5. Don’t do any of your daughter’s homework for her. It’s important that she understand all the steps that lead to the correct answer, and it’s also important for her self-concept to accept her responsibility.
6. Set a deadline when all homework must be finished - and stick to it. Going to school with unfinished homework is a natural consequence of poor time management. Check with her teacher if you suspect homework is not being handed in.

Remember, the parental role changes as the child gets older. Parents of elementary-age students should listen to the day’s events, look at papers and read stories with their child. Junior high students need a parent to help as an advisor and to teach research skills that find answers. Senior high students may need a consultant for overall project coordination, and especially for post-high school career planning. But be sure to stay connected to the teacher and the school. A good school/family relationship strengthens the positive influences of both teachers and parents, and minimizes the negative influences of peers and culture.

For more information call 553-3000 or toll-free (877) 553-3001 or email info@heartlandfamilyservice.org