Parenting Tips: Helping with homework

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Four out of five parents reported that they have had difficulty understanding their children’s homework. Parents are a child’s first and most important teachers. Parent involvement in their child’s learning can help improve how well they do in school. While it’s important to show support and model learning behaviour, there is a limit to how much help you can give without robbing your child of the opportunity to learn for themselves. But homework is a necessary evil for most students, so what is a parent to do to ensure everyone in the house survives?

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In our schools, the emphasis is on what students need to learn, whereas little emphasis—if any—is placed on training students how they should go about learning the content and what skills will promote efficient studying to support robust learning.

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That’s where I stand in and help schools and parents! Teaching students how to learn is as important as teaching them content because acquiring both the right learning strategies and background knowledge is important—if not essential—for promoting lifelong learning.

Research has found that students vary widely in what they know about how to learn, according to a team of educational researchers from Australia writing last year in the journal Instructional Science. Most striking, low-achieving students show “substantial deficits” in their awareness of the cognitive and metacognitive strategies that lead to effective learning—suggesting that these students’ struggles may be due in part to a gap in their knowledge about how learning works.

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Teaching students good learning strategies would ensure that they know how to acquire new knowledge, which leads to improved learning outcomes!

I am a behavioural specialist who is qualified in Nero-linguistic Programming (NLP) practices. I am a qualified Moderator, Assessor and facilitator with over 23 years in the training arena. Having trained people into their best version of themselves in 3 continents and 4 countries – India, Japan, England and South Africa.

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THE IMPACT OF HOMEWORK ON HEALTH

Are teenagers experiencing sleep deprivation?

According to the Journal of Adolescent Health, only 8% of high school students in the UK get the recommended 9 hours of sleep per night. Shockingly, 23% of these students get 6 hours or less, with 10% getting 5 hours or less. This sleep deprivation can have significant health consequences.

Does homework contribute to anxiety?

A study conducted by Stanford University revealed that students who feel they spend “too much time” on homework often experience stress and physical ailments associated with anxiety. It’s not just the workload itself; students also struggle to balance homework with other aspects of their lives, such as family time and extracurricular activities, which can further contribute to anxiety.

What is an appropriate amount of homework for high school students?

For high school students, it is generally considered appropriate to follow the 10-minute rule per grade. This means that students in grades 8-9 should ideally have no more than 90 minutes of homework, while those in grades 10-12 should have no more than 2 hours. It’s important to find a balance that allows students to excel academically without overwhelming them.

Does homework impact family time?

Excessive homework can significantly reduce quality family time. This is particularly true in households where parents are unable to assist with the homework. As stress levels increase, conflicts may arise, further diminishing the opportunity for meaningful family interactions on school nights. It is crucial for parents to support their children and foster a healthy work-life balance.

Can homework contribute to depression?

While homework itself may not be the sole cause of depression, it can have an indirect relationship. Students who feel overwhelmed with homework often struggle to manage their family life, extracurricular activities, and social engagements. This can lead to feelings of isolation and eventually contribute to depression. It is important to recognize and address these challenges to support the well-being of students.

Does homework rob children of their childhood?

Excessive amounts of homework can indeed deprive children of a significant part of their childhood. When children have an overwhelming workload and struggle to balance their lives outside of school, they may miss out on valuable experiences like playing outside, socializing with friends, and simply enjoying their free time. It is crucial to strike a balance between academic demands and allowing children to have a well-rounded childhood.

Tips for parents:

1. Encourage healthy sleep habits: Help your child establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a calming bedtime routine to ensure they get enough rest.
2. Foster open communication: Encourage your child to talk about their homework-related stress or anxieties. Create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable discussing their challenges.
3. Time management skills: Teach your child effective time management techniques to help them prioritize tasks and allocate time for homework, family activities, and relaxation.
4. Advocate for balanced homework loads: Engage with teachers and school administrators to ensure that homework assignments are reasonable and take into account the overall well-being of students.
5. Create a conducive study environment: Provide a quiet and well-lit space for your child to study, free from distractions. This will help them focus and complete their homework more efficiently.
6. Encourage breaks and physical activity: Encourage your child to take regular breaks during homework sessions and engage in physical activities. Exercise and fresh air can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
7. Seek professional help if needed: If your child’s homework-related stress or mental health issues persist, consider seeking support from school counselors or mental health professionals who can provide guidance and assistance.

By implementing these tips and being mindful of your child’s well-being, you can help them navigate the challenges of homework while maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.