10 Parenting Tips for Homework and Your Child

Parents often try to convince their children that they must do their homework so they do well. But doing well is the parents’ perspective not the child's. Yes it is your job as a parent to guide your child and prepare them for the world. But it is not your responsibility to make their choices for them. All too often parents decide what their child should do or be and do not leave this up to the child to discover for themselves. This approach in the long run creates a dependent person who is not a freethinking self-governing individual.

Careful guidance and detailed instruction is definitely part of your job as a parent. When it comes to homework it is the child's decision and decision-making skills that are being discovered and explored here. You as the parent must allow them to explore these decisions and their results. Your fear of whether they will be successful or get good grades is not theirs so please do not make it theirs.

The best thing you can do is allow them to make choices even if it includes failure. As long as you are sure that they understand the situations, options, alternatives and the process the decision should be allowed to become theirs. The only time that there should be different is if you know your child has some type of Invisible Challenge™ and needs more detailed direction.

Assuming your child knows the rules and responsibilities regarding homework try the following tips. Remember if you baby your child and do not allow them decision-making and potential failing opportunities they will grow up to be a baby in an adult body who often fails.

10 Parenting Homework Tips

1.    Ask them so that you are sure they clearly understand the rules and results of their choices. (If not make this information clear)
2.    Once they understand inform them that it is their choice to do it or not.
3.    Be sure to let them know that if they are having any problems or difficulties in doing their homework or getting it done and desire help that you are always available to assist them.
4.    As a courtesy remind them to do their homework if they are still having difficulties.
5.    Once they have made their choice allow them to experience the results. This may include poor grades, detentions and in extreme cases failure.
6.    Once you have stated your position and have empowered these children to make their own choices do not allow for any complaining or whining about their grades or experienced results. Simply state to them, it is/was your choice to do it or not and now you must experience the results. Do not engage in any pity parties or arguing. If you must, walk away from the situation and tell them they know what to do.
7.    This one is an absolute must to be successful in this process - Keep your issues/feelings out of the conversations! Do not get emotional and do not yell!
8.    Find a process or a way to assist you in dealing with your emotions or feelings that come up in regards to doing homework, being successful and getting good grades.
9.    Remind your child that you love them no matter what their grades or their choices are.
10.    Be sure not to punish them emotionally, silently or with any subtle remarks made about their homework or decisions.
Contact us at www.teamworkwins.org  for more information on how to help and raise the sensitive, indigo child and children with Invisible Challenges™