Homework help: how to support your child without taking over
Get tutoring help for your child →Homework can turn into a nightly battle. Most parents want to help without taking over, and without the evening ending in tears. These approaches help a child do the work themselves, and help you spot when outside support makes sense.
Set up for success
- A regular time and place with few distractions, and the phone out of reach.
- A short plan at the start: what is due, what to do first, and roughly how long each part should take.
- Breaks for younger children, such as a few minutes after each task.
Help without taking over
- Ask questions instead of giving answers: “What does the problem ask?” “Where did you get stuck?”
- Point to the class notes or an example the teacher gave.
- Let mistakes stand sometimes. Homework shows the teacher what your child can do on their own.
- Praise effort and strategy, not just right answers.
Want someone to look at your child’s situation? Answer three quick questions and we’ll be in touch.
When it is more than a bad night
- Homework regularly takes far longer than the teacher expects.
- Your child cannot start without you, even on familiar work.
- The same subject causes arguments week after week.
Talk with the teacher first; they can tell you whether the time and difficulty are typical. If one subject keeps causing trouble, see signs your child may benefit from tutoring and our study skills guide.
Homework still a struggle?
Tell us your child’s grade, ZIP code and the subject that feels hardest. Wherever you live in the U.S., we’ll search for a tutoring provider near you. Families near Bay Ridge, Brooklyn can connect with Huntington Learning Center.
Start the questionnaireRelated guides
- Study skills: helping a student who understands but still struggles
- Signs your child may benefit from tutoring
- How to choose a tutor for your child
- All parent guides