It’s a question that has been debated by parents, teachers, and education experts for decades: how much should parents help with homework? There is no one answer that is right for every family, but there are some general guidelines that can help you determine what is best for your child.

Should Parents Help With Homework at All?

Yes, but there is a catch. Students getting help from parents is great, but parents should only help their children with homework if the child is having difficulty understanding the material. If parents do all of the work for their children, they will not learn how to do it independently and will be less likely to succeed in school.

So, when should parents step in? If your child is having trouble understanding a concept, working through a problem, or just getting started on an assignment, it can be helpful for you to sit down with them and offer some assistance. Once they have a better understanding of the task at hand, they should be able to work independently.

Questions Parents Can Ask Their Children When Helping Them Learn New Concepts

Here are five great questions parents can ask their children while helping them with homework:

#1: What do you think this assignment is about?

This question will help you gauge your child’s understanding of the material. If they can’t tell you what the assignment is about, they likely don’t understand it and need more help.

#2: What have you already done?

Asking your child what they have already done will help you figure out where they are struggling. If they haven’t started the assignment, you’ll know to help them get started. If they are stuck in the middle, you can offer assistance with that specific problem.

#3: What are you having trouble with?

This is a great question to ask if your child seems to be struggling but can’t quite identify the problem. By asking them what they are having trouble with, you can help them pinpoint the issue and get started on a solution.

#4: What do you think the answer is?

This question will help you gauge your child’s understanding of the material. If they can’t tell you what the assignment is about, they likely don’t understand it and need more help.

#5: How can I help you?

This is an open-ended question that will give your child the opportunity to tell you what they need help with. For example, they may need help getting started, understanding a concept, or solving a problem. By asking them how you can help, you can offer the assistance they need to succeed.

If you have a hard time understanding what your child needs from you, try asking them some of these questions.

Best Homework Help Sites

If you continue to struggle when helping your child with homework, here are five homework-help websites to help you out:

#1: Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a free website that offers video lessons on various school subjects, including math, science, and history. There are also practice problems and quizzes to help your child master the material.

#2: IXL Learning

IXL Learning is a paid website that offers practice problems and quizzes on various subjects, including math, science, and history. There are also video lessons and live tutors available to help your child understand the material.

#3: National Geographic Kids

National Geographic Kids is a free website that offers games, videos, and activities on various topics, including animals, science, and geography. This website can help your child with their homework and teach them new information.

#4: Funbrain

Funbrain is a free website that offers games and activities on a variety of subjects, including math, reading, and logic. For example, your child can play a game to practice their addition facts or read a comic to improve their reading comprehension.

#5: High School Ace

High School Ace is a free website that offers study guides, flashcards, and practice quizzes on a variety of subjects. This website can help your child review for upcoming tests and quizzes.

Try out a few of these websites if your child needs more help than you can offer.

 

There are a variety of resources available to parents who need help with their child’s homework. By asking your child questions, using helpful websites, and offering assistance when needed, you can help your child succeed in school.

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