How Much Do You Help With Homework?

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

School's out for the summer, which means kids are getting a break from mountains of homework. Only in some households, students aren't the only ones excited about the homework reprieve--parents are cheering too, especially the ones who regularly cross the line between parental involvement and parental takeover.

Be honest; how many times have you completed your child's homework assignment (to spare yourself from hearing him whine, complain and belly-ache), rather than simply provide assistance to your frustrated child and let him finish the project by himself?

A recent study shows that a "disturbing" amount of parents admit to being "overly involved" in their children's homework. Whether it's being the mastermind behind a school science project (one dad admitted to spending more than $3,000 to engineer his daughter's science fair entry) to simply taking over a homework assignment (one mother confessed to completing a math worksheet for her third grader in her own penmanship).

To ensure that students are doing their work independently, some teachers have reduced homework, and increased classwork. Educators say doing so allows them to view children as they work and gives students the chance to ask questions if they need help.

Experts note that not all parental help is bad. Younger children especially could use assistance with homework from time to time, and can benefit from a knowledgeable adult. However, experts say it's when overzealous parents go from assisting to completely taking over that problems start.

"At some point, you have to let go," childhood experts advise. "The longer you rewrite, revise, build and glue for your child, the less likely they'll be able to do it on their own."

What about you? Is your attempt at "helping" your child with his homework hindering his abilities and undercutting his self-confidence?

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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