Four homework mistakes parents need to stop making right now
What parent doesn’t want their child to thrive in school? Yet, in our eagerness to help during homework time, we can sometimes end up doing more harm than good.
Managing homework can quickly turn into a conflict, with parents feeling frustrated by their kids putting up a resistance to being helped. The truth is, even with the best of intentions, many parents are making simple mistakes that can hinder their child’s learning and development.
According to Vasilii Kiselev, CEO and co-founder of Legacy Online School, taking the right approach to homework isn’t just integral to your child’s academic success, but also their overall well-being.
Homework struggles are a common problem in many households, with parents often unsure of the best way to help their kids succeed. But by avoiding a few key mistakes, parents can make homework time more productive and less stressful for everyone, he says.
In this article, Vasilii shares the four biggest mistakes parents are making when it comes to helping their children with homework – and how to stop them in their tracks.
1) Doing their homework for them
Sure, it might be quicker and save the tears (for now), but doing your child’s homework is setting them up for failure in the long run. While you might be solving the problem today, you’re taking away their chance to learn how to think critically and develop problem-solving skills.
Vasilii’s solution
Put the pen down, step away from the homework and resist the urge to take over! If you have to, you can ask guiding questions to help them find the solution on their own. The goal is to teach independence, not dependency. Your child should feel empowered to learn and not be relying on you for the answers.
2) Having an inconsistent homework routine
Are you allowing homework to happen whenever, wherever? One day at the dinner table, the next on the sofa with the TV on in the background? This lack of structure can leave kids confused and unfocused.
Vasilii’s solution
Set a consistent time and distraction-free place for homework. Routine is key but without a set schedule, kids struggle to focus and often see homework as an afterthought rather than a priority. A quiet, dedicated study space helps them get into the right mindset for learning.
3) Micromanaging the process
Hovering over your child, checking every answer as they go? You’re probably stressing them out and damaging their confidence by breathing down their necks. In order to grow, children need the space to work through problems themselves – mistakes and all.
Vasilii’s solution
Again, parents need to back off a little. Give your child room to breathe and allow them to make mistakes, it’s not the end of the world. It’s actually helpful to give them autonomy. Stepping back builds their confidence and helps them approach challenges with a sense of capability.
4) Treating homework like a punishment
Are you sighing every time you mention homework? Or using it as leverage to deny fun activities? This can condition kids to see homework as a dreaded chore, making them even more resistant to it.
Vasilii’s solution
Make homework a positive experience. Celebrate the wins, no matter how small, and create a supportive environment where learning is seen as fun and exciting rather than a necessary evil. Parents often don’t realise how their attitude towards homework can rub off on their child. Turn it into an opportunity for growth, not something to get over with.
Find the right balance with homework
When it comes to your children’s homework, the choice is yours. It’s easy to fall into the trap of doing too much or too little, but you need to find the right balance. Step back when necessary and give your child the space to experience independent learning. That’s where real learning happens. But don’t disappear completely – structure and parental support are still necessary.
Children should be taught that homework is their responsibility, not something for their parents to make go away. When they know you’re there to guide, but not to take over, they start to feel empowered and take ownership of their own learning.
While improving grades is a priority, it’s also important to promote self-confidence, independence and a love (or begrudging appreciation) for learning. The changes you make today will not only help your child academically but reduce homework stress for everyone involved.
Legacy Online School provides a high-quality, flexible, and accredited online education for students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Their curriculum is designed to foster academic excellence and personal growth, allowing students to learn at their own pace.
With a team of experienced educators, Legacy Online School combines interactive digital tools with personalised support, ensuring each student’s success. The school emphasises a well-rounded education, including extracurricular activities and college prep guidance, to prepare students for future endeavours.
