What to do when your child's homework is too hard

Homework is a natural part of school life for students but can cause some headaches for parents if their child is finding it too difficult, regardless of what year level they are in. It can affect their confidence and willingness to engage in the classroom, which can create a negative attitude towards school and learning in general.

It’s not a lost cause though and there are several ways you can take matters into your own hands to help your child through this tough patch.

Get their teacher involved

Having a good relationship with your child’s teacher is crucial and in these types of situations, it can be especially advantageous. Reach out to them and get them involved in the conversation; you can find out if your child has been struggling in the classroom as well, and whether there are any other factors, such as bullying, that could be impacting on their academic output.

Invest in a tutor

This is a significant investment given the financial undertaking but if the issue lies with ability rather than attitude, it can be a great solution. A tutor will deliver a one-on-one experience that a regular teacher simply can’t compete with, offering tailored feedback and support. Many tutors are full-time but for a more cost-effective option you could seek out a local university student who is looking to make some money on the side while they study.

Talk to your child

You can source as much external help as you like but unless you know exactly what the problem is, you’re not going to get far. Sit down with your child and ask them what aspects of the work they are struggling with, whether this has been an issue in the past and how they think it can be dealt with.

Create a better environment to study

Sometimes it isn’t that the actual work is too difficult, more so that there is an issue with concentration and work ethic. To tick all these boxes and give your child the best chance of excelling, make sure there is a quiet spot at home for them to study without distractions or interruptions.

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