How to Provide Homework Guidance Without Doing IT for Her

Every parent wants to see their child succeed. It can be hard to hold back and let them make the mistakes they need to make in order to learn. This can be especially difficult with homework. Finding the balance between providing help and doing the work outright can be tricky, but it's a balance that must be struck. A child learns best through his own failures and successes. Here are some tips for participating in an appropriate way in your child's education.

Learning style

Each child has one. Knowing how your child learns will help you tailor your input to suit his needs. Does he work better alone? Is he a visual learner? Auditory? Tactile? Maybe drawing small pictures is better for him than taking notes. Maybe experiments are more effective than lectures. Find out so you can help your child maximize his unique potential.

Study Habits.

It can take time for good study habits to sink in. Be patient but persistent. He'll get it eventually. Always remember that he'll have his own way of doing things that will ultimately be best. You're not there to impose methods, but to enhance his understanding and work with his talents. Here are some key habits to help your child develop:

Structuring time

Does he have a large assignment due in 3 weeks? He needs to plan and begin today, not wait for the last minute. He'll need to select his topic, gather materials, do his research, come up with an outline or basis. Help him think the project through and get a clear idea of how to make it happen. Time management skills are crucial in every phase of life. From managing a home to managing a team of employees, strong time management skills will serve your child no matter where life takes him.

Resources

Helping your child get started on a big assignment is very important. Make sure he knows what resources are available to him. Is he using the library? Is he asking his teacher important questions? Is he making appropriate use of the internet? Above all, YOU are his most important resource. Make sure he knows he can turn to you when he needs help.

Study Over Time

Last minute cramming is making the best of a bad situation. Avoid the bad situation. If your child studies each day and layers on the levels of his knowledge foundation, his understanding will grow and his ability to integrate new information will expand. In short, he'll learn in a way he won't forget. Studying for a test should consist of review, not of learning the information for the first time.