Helping your child cope with homework

You don’t need to have the answers

Helping with homework and schoolwork can be difficult sometimes, and it can be hard to know how to support your child when the class work is different to your own school days. That’s OK. You don’t need to have all the answers to make a difference. Simply showing an interest and talking to your child about what they are learning helps them take pride in their work and value what they are learning too.

Tip: Ask them to explain it to you.

This helps them see how much they know already and will outline the gaps in their knowledge, giving you somewhere to start to support them in finding the answers.

Understand their study workload

Study and exams can be a stressful time for young people, but it doesn’t have to be. Find some ideas to support your child with study and exam stress to see what works for your family.

There are heaps of ways for you to support your child with their homework and managing study, regardless of your own education levels. Helping your child know how to research to find information is a valuable skill. Searching online can be a great place to start looking for other answers and give them something to start talking to their teacher about, and if they are struggling, they can talk to their teacher before class, and ask to have the information explained again or in a new way. By showing support, helping them keep perspective and remember the value of school, and showing an interest in what they are learning, you’re already helping.

If you are concerned about your child’s academic progress or school work, the teacher may be able to suggest ways to help your child at home or help you to access additional support at school. If your child is experiencing persistent social issues, make an appointment with your child’s teacher, their year level coordinator or other staff member as soon as possible.

Put yourself in the same shoes

If you’re worried about your child getting through school or persevering with their study, one of the best things you can do is show them you do know what they are going through, by enrolling in a course or certificate. Seeing you hit the books and juggle study with life will help you child value learning and study and also give you common ground to discuss what is going on. Check out fee free study options and subsidised training.

Help is available

From Term 3, 2021 Homework Centres will be operating in up to 120 state schools throughout Queensland. To find out more including available locations, check out Homework Centres.