In the extremely busy fast-paced world that we live in, it can be challenging for many parents to help their kids get a hold of their homework and school assignments.

It can be especially difficult when a child struggles with homework, hates doing it, or lacks motivation.

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First of all, it's important to understand why your child is struggling with homework. Are they finding the material too difficult to understand? Are they restless or find it difficult to concentrate and finish their assignment? Are they fatigued, perhaps they aren’t getting enough sleep hours? You need to identify the root of the problem to find an effective solution to it.

Let’s, first of all, identify the common reasons children struggle with homework.

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Why do children struggle with homework?

Here are some common reasons some children might not enjoy doing assignments, find out if some of these factors affect your child too:

• Fatigue: If your child is tired or has already spent a long day at school, he or she may not have the needed energy or motivation to do their homework.
• Difficulty level: Sometimes, teachers may give pupils homework that is above their comprehension levels if a child finds his homework too challenging, he may feel frustrated or discouraged.
• Time-consuming Homework: Imagine a child having to spend hours on an assignment! If the homework load is too heavy or takes too much time, the child may naturally feel overwhelmed and unable to complete his assignment.
• Lack of interest: Children love to play around with images, drawings, paintings, and fun stuff when doing their homework. If the homework is not exciting enough for a child, they may not feel motivated to complete it.
• Distractions: If a child is easily distracted then with mobile phones, technology, siblings, or other things around the house, they may struggle to stay focused on their homework.
• Learning challenges: This is another common reason some children don’t thrive at their homework. If the child has a learning disability, completing their homework independently will become a struggle for them.
• Little or no support: Many children thrive under supervision. When it comes to their homework, they can work when under the support and supervision of their parents, tutor, or an older sibling. Without this support, a child may struggle to complete the take-home task.
• Lack of creativity: As it is popularly said, variety is the spice of life. Children even love varieties more. If a child takes home the same type of tasks every day, they would easily become bored or disengaged with the homework process. When a teacher is creative with their pupils’ assignments, the kids would always long for their assignments.

These are some of the common reasons children struggle with their take-home assignments. Does your child experience any of them? Well, whether you answered yes or no, the good thing is that there are things you could be doing as a parent that will help you to reduce the “burden” of homework both for your child and you.

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I’ll share some of these tips with you below.

How to help my child with their homework 

Set a regular schedule

One of the most effective ways to help your child who struggle with homework is to set a regular homework schedule. Having a structured routine for homework time will help a child cultivate good study habits which will not only help them do their assignments now become studious in the future.

Establishing a predictable routine also helps kids become more organized and focused.  

1. Develop a task list for homework

Break down assignments into small bite sizes for your child. Children will be overwhelmed when they see a truckload of work to do.

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When you break down homework into smaller, more manageable tasks and create a checklist, your child can stay organized and motivated to complete their work.

This approach not only promotes better organization but also fosters important time management skills by helping children learn how to prioritize tasks and manage their time more effectively.

1. Applaud little milestones

When you tell your child you are proud of them and celebrate their accomplishments, it can make them feel happy and want to keep working hard.

Even if they only do something small, when you recognize it, it can help them feel important and supported.

1. Encourage your child with positive language 

When you use kind and supportive words, it can make your child feel good about themselves and encourage them to keep working hard.

During homework time, it's important to avoid using critical or negative words because they can make children feel sad or upset. Instead, try to use words that show that you believe in your child's ability to succeed and offer encouragement when things get tough.

For example, saying "I believe you can do it, give it another try", can help your child feel motivated to keep going. When you use positive language, it can create a more supportive and nurturing environment that helps your children feel valued and encouraged to do their best.

1. Be a good example to your kids 

Children learn best by watching what others do. When you show your children good habits for studying, it can help the children learn to do the same things.

This can mean setting a regular time for studying and trying not to do things that will distract them, like watching cartoons on the iPad.

When your child sees you doing these things, they are more likely to do them too.

1. Know about your child’s learning progress

It's important for you as a parent to stay informed about your child's progress in school. By keeping track of their child's grades and talking to their teachers, you will be able to identify areas where your child may need extra help or support.

For instance, if a child is struggling with reading, you can work with their English teacher to come up with a plan to provide additional support at home. Regular communication with teachers can also help parents understand their child's learning style and how they can best support their child's learning outside of school.

By staying involved and informed, parents can work collaboratively with teachers to ensure that their child is getting the support they need to succeed in school.

1. Provide necessary resources 

Making provisions for the resources that your child needs for their homework such as textbooks, paper, and pencils, to complete their homework is important.

When children have the resources they need, it can also make them feel valued and supported, which can increase their confidence and motivation.

1. Help kids stay focused

As I mentioned earlier, one of the reasons many kids can’t do their homework is because there are too many distractions for them and it’s difficult to do the needful.

Provide a conducive environment with minimal distractions for your kids to do their assignments.

Helping them avoid distractions such as social media, television, or noise while doing their homework can help them stay productive. With increased focus, children will complete their work more quickly and with greater accuracy.

1. Take breaks

If your child struggles with their homework, another thing that would help them is to take a break from time to time during homework time.

You may work for 5 minutes and take a three minutes break. Short breaks, such as stretching or going for a quick walk outside, can be a helpful way to recharge their minds and stay focused.

By taking breaks, children may find that they can work more efficiently and effectively.

1. Know when to seek help

This point is equally important if your child is consistently struggling with homework and you have tried all the tips above.

 If you feel inadequate to provide the necessary support your child needs, seeking the help of a teacher or other professional can be a helpful option.

Professional educators can provide extra assistance to your child, and this can enhance their understanding and improve their academic performance.

By following these suggestions when helping your child with their homework, you can create a more enjoyable and effective experience for both of you. It's essential to remain patient, supportive, and adaptable, and don't hesitate to ask for assistance if necessary.

By utilizing these methods, you can help your child achieve academic success and develop important life skills.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about how to help a child who hates homework:

How do you deal with a child who hates homework?

To help your child who hates homework, you can implement various strategies such as breaking down assignments, providing resources, staying informed about their progress, seeking outside help when necessary, and encouraging positive language and behavior. Try to identify the cause of the child's dislike for homework and work with them to develop effective strategies.

How can we engage and motivate children who can’t do homework?

To motivate and engage a child who hates homework, you can implement various strategies such as breaking down assignments, providing resources, staying informed about their progress, seeking outside help when necessary, and encouraging positive language and behavior. Try to identify the cause of the child's dislike for homework and work with them to develop effective strategies.

Who helps children with their homework?

When it comes to assisting children with their schoolwork, both parents and teachers are involved. Experts say that when parents lend a helping hand to their children while they are doing their homework has a positive impact on their academic performance.