3 reasons why you shouldn't do homework with your child

Many parents believe that if they don't monitor homework, their children will do poorly in school. But researchers from the University of Texas have proven otherwise.

They collected data on how parental involvement in the teaching process affects grades and found that parental help was ineffective in elementary school; it negatively affected test results in middle and high school.

Bright Sidehas compiled what can happen if parents help their children do some homework.

1. Children lose motivation to learn

According to the study, the more involved parents are in the homework process with their children, the less motivated they are to learn. Children whose parents sit next to them and tell them what to do, control every step and even do the homework for them, have the lowest motivation to learn. In contrast, children who dream and try to do something new when their parents let them complete the homework on their own are more likely to dream and try to do something new.

As a parent, try to loosen the reins and only help when your child asks for your opinion. However, you should explain to your child what they don’t understand, but don’t do it for them completely. In case your child doesn’t want to do their homework, according to psychologist Lyudmila Petranovskaya, you should: acknowledge their feelings, admit that writing a letter of 10 lines is boring; and then share with your child your method for completing the task.

2. Children will not learn to be responsible

By doing homework for your child, controlling the process, and punishing them for bad grades, you are taking responsibility for their learning, which means you are removing your child from what they need to do.

According to Lyudmila Petranovskaya, raising a child by “putting a carrot on a stick” does them no favors as it can affect their perception of life as adults. Punishment and praise should be about making choices. Let consequences happen. “Did you forget your teacher’s drawing assignment? That means you’ll have to do that instead of playing video games. Did you not do your homework? You need to explain yourself to the teacher.”

3. The relationship between parents and children is damaged

"Homework is done. Mom's voice is hoarse. My ears are ringing from all the yelling. The neighbor learned the poem by heart. And the dog can recite everything" is something you might joke about when talking about someone teaching their child. But when it comes to homework with your child, it's really not a joke.

Instead of controlling every task, psychologists recommend building a trusting relationship with your child and spending more time together. Read, discuss what's happening in science and the world, and find new, interesting things to do together. Love is more important than grades.