How Can I Help My Child with Homework?

Ask the Experts: My kindergartner is consistently doing the wrong homework assignments. How can I help her?

Question: My child is absolutely ecstatic about going to kindergarten, or “big kid” school as she refers to it. However, we are having a problem with her weekly homework assignment.

She refuses to adhere to the guidelines of her assignments. For example she will bring toys for show-and-tell instead of cutting out magazine pictures as assigned. My husband and I have been completing her homework assignments for her. My concern is that this behavior will turn into a consistent aversion to homework.

Answer: Homework is a child’s home learning assignment, not the parent’s. The role of the parent is to “assist” and/or “review.” If your child is consistently doing the homework assignment incorrectly, allow the teacher to correct it and to speak with your child. You should not be completing the work for her. Let your child receive the consequences at school. You may want to give the teacher a heads up about the problems that are occurring at home and to conference about setting up a homework chart for your child, where you check off the name of the assignment and when it is completed. This may help to eliminate the problem.

Dr. Ruth Jacoby has been involved in education for more than 30 years as an educator, principal and currently as an educational consultant in Florida. She is the co-author of the School Talk! Success Series.

Advice from our experts is not a substitute for medical or other professional advice and services from a qualified health-care provider familiar with your unique situation. We recommend consulting a qualified professional if you have concerns about your child's medical or emotional condition.