Better Homes and Gardens, October 2006
Work This Way
Helping with homework is a vital part of any parent’s job. Helping kids develop discipline and a solid work ethic is even more important.by Teri Cettina
When Travis Cohn Royce was in grade school, his mom Lisa was his homework buddy. He needed one. Travis’ Portland, Oregon, school program required hours of work every night.
Lisa offered more than just help, though. “I even did some of his homework for him on occasion," she admits. "He had so much work he couldn't get to bed at night."
For most students, having a parent as a study helper is all too common. A study by the nonprofit Public Agenda group discovered found that one-fourth of American parents have done part of their children's homework for them.
That can be a problem because take-home work is a child's first chance to develop a healthy work ethic, says Ruth Peters, psychologist and author of Overcoming Underachieving. "It teaches them how to do something they don't particularly want to do,” she says. In the process, they gain a greater sense of responsibility. Here’s how to make sure your kids—not their homework buddy—learn that valuable lesson.
• GIVE YOUR CHILD A DEADLINE. Set a rule that homework should be done by 8 p.m. Unfinished work simply goes back to school the next day, says John Rosemond, a psychologist and author of Ending the Homework Hassle. Deadlines focus kids and teach time management skills.
• KNOW HOW MUCH TO HELP. Compare homework help to help given to kids with other tasks, such as dressing and eating, says Cathy Vatterott, professor of education at the University of Missouri. "Five- and six-year-olds may need help on some tasks while older kids are more self-sufficient," she says. "Offer homework help the same way—give only as much as is appropriate for your child's age."
Full article text available upon request.
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