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Discussion Boards => Off-Topic => Topic started by: sommap on January 24, 2012, 09:05:29 am

Title: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: sommap on January 24, 2012, 09:05:29 am
I do not believe a parent should sit with a kid through the whole process of their homework.  They have to think for themselves.  If they get stuck, then a parent can step in and help.  A parent can also check the homework when it is finished.  If it is incomplete, it should be pointed out.  If an answer is wrong, it can also be pointed out to the child and ask them to redo the question. 
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: melinder on January 24, 2012, 09:13:40 am
I think that the parents should let their kids work through their homework by themselves first. Then go over everything if they want help
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: workmama on January 24, 2012, 09:54:09 am
Yes, I totally agree with you! My dad never helped me out with my homework and I would get so mad, but now that I am older I understood why he didn't help me out. I have become so much smarter because of not having no one to help me out and it's still like that today. I refuse to have someone help me, unless it is totally necessary which is not very often.
I probably won't help my son with his homework when he is older unless he has shown me that he fully doesn't understand the subject and really needs help, but I will never give him the answers.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: articx on January 24, 2012, 11:05:31 am
Parents can help their kids understand questions, but should not give them the answers.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: jford87 on January 24, 2012, 01:50:52 pm
Some homework that is assigned is stuff that the students haven't covered in class yet. In that case, a parent should step up and help the student learn the material. They definitely shouldn't do the homework for them or go over every question step by step. The student needs to learn to work independently.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: kapeh12 on January 24, 2012, 02:22:28 pm
A parent should be aware of how thoroughly the child attempted to solve their homework before stepping in.  I agree with the above, parents should not do the work, the child should.  I see nothing wrong with parents guiding/hinting the child toward the solution when they are stuck - but do it in such a way the child learns new ways to find solutions when they get stuck.

I recall when I was a kid, I didn't have much problems with my parents stepping in, particularly in math.  Somewhere in high school, my parents basically told me I passed them up in math so I was really on my own in that subject.   ;D

I think when parents are trying to have the "smartest" kid by doing their child's homework, they are only hurting their kids in the long run for a short term "win".
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: ninajay on January 24, 2012, 02:30:17 pm
A parent should make sure it gets done, but only step in if the child asks for help. My parents never helped me with my homework unless I asked. I actually preferred to do it myself
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: masked_brown_guy on January 24, 2012, 04:43:22 pm
I do not think it is wrong as long as the kid isn't trying to get them to do it.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: robin1128 on January 24, 2012, 04:59:12 pm
I think when a child is first learning how to do homework you should help at first then slowly let them do it them self.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: sunflowers20054u on January 24, 2012, 05:19:27 pm
I agree that Children should do their own homework and then the parent could check it over if help is needed.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: donnitab on January 24, 2012, 05:25:57 pm
Yes, definitely. I do not believe it should be done for them but parents should help during the process with questions and any concerns they have.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: dmathiss on January 24, 2012, 05:28:26 pm
I don't think parents should help their kids with their homework unless is extremely necessary. When I was younger I did all of my homework by myself and that helped me become independent and more responsible with my school work. My kids only get help from me when they really don't understand the material. I explain but I never give them answers. I also look over the homework and point out anything that is wrong and they will redo it until they get it right.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: jdgaris on January 24, 2012, 05:52:06 pm
I always make sure I am easily available when my children are doing their homework. If they ask for help I sit with them and we discuss what needs to be done & possible ways to do it. My child always makes the ultimate decision and it is a learning process, not just making sure it is done but that they have actually learning the material. Talking about options for solving a problem then letting them make a choice about how to solve it helps build confidence. It also helps strengthen relationships, gives you quality time with your child & lets him/her know you are there for them.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: abryant21 on January 24, 2012, 06:05:28 pm
yes I do think that parents should help their kids with their homework but only if that child needs help. So if a parent receive a type of grade report and the student have anything under a C that parent should help that child in subject.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: alina6 on January 24, 2012, 07:37:41 pm
I think as long as help is given in a manner that the child is learning then the help with homework is appropriate. the parents should not do the homework for the kids.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: catherinedwhite on January 24, 2012, 07:49:43 pm
Yes - If a parent shows interest in the homework, it will build a relationship with appreciation for learning.
Participation does not mean doing it for them.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: ghunter on January 24, 2012, 07:52:02 pm
I do think parent should help, remember I said help only if the child needs it.  A parent should check to make sure it is correct and help them understand what they did so the next time they can do it by themself (like in class).
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: bigedshult on January 24, 2012, 07:54:22 pm
u should be here to answer there question but they need to do the work them self. if u help all the time they never learn how to work on their one.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: ladycasshmere on January 24, 2012, 09:29:12 pm
yes i believe parents should help their kids with homework as long as they are not filling in the blanks for them. I dont believe in giving the answers.  My approach like with math is to show them examples and let them get and understanding from that and explain my example.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: emily01 on January 24, 2012, 10:41:11 pm
I think it depends on multiple factors, really.  How old is said child?  Does said child have learning disabilities?  Basically, the parent should assist their children as seen fit for that individual and make sure they're learning through the process, but shouldn't actually do the homework/project for them.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: tuyetmai on January 24, 2012, 11:08:58 pm
I do not believe a parent should sit with a kid through the whole process of their homework.  They have to think for themselves.  If they get stuck, then a parent can step in and help.  A parent can also check the homework when it is finished.  If it is incomplete, it should be pointed out.  If an answer is wrong, it can also be pointed out to the child and ask them to redo the question. 
I think that parents should help their children with their homework because that the better way to catch up what is your child learn at school.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: tzs on January 24, 2012, 11:20:22 pm
YES. Just because you don't feel like sitting through it, you have to make them know that you are interested in their learning, and its not just for show. It encourages them to strive to do better. :heart:
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: sherryinutah on January 25, 2012, 02:54:40 am
I think it depends on the child and whether or not that child struggles with understanding their homework.

Generally...it's probably best to let them do as much as they can for their self and then ask for assistance from someone if they need it.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: lgemini on January 25, 2012, 05:33:14 am
I think parents should help their children when they really need help, but not giving them the answers.  When you give them the answers you are teaching them to cheat and you are not helping them you are hurting them.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: jkhanson on January 25, 2012, 05:48:41 am
When the kids are young, being nearby while they do their homework can show them that the parents are interested.  As they get older, they should have the independence to do it on their own.

The kids should do their own work.  If they don't understand something, then parents should go explain it -- not DO it for the child.


Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: vmi1991 on January 25, 2012, 06:07:15 am
Do, then review.

Child should do their assignment, then the parent should review.

And unless it is a special research assignment, kids shouldn't have homework anyways, not until 6th or 7th grade.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: devideddi on January 25, 2012, 07:06:05 am
of course help them, don't do it for them or don't even hover.  But if they need help, be there.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: lvstephanie on January 25, 2012, 08:36:26 am
I think parents should help, esp. if they see that the child is struggling in a particular subject. Now this doesn't mean to solve the answers for them, but rather to try explaining the concept better. Sometimes students don't understand the way their teacher is trying to explain the concept, so it's always helpful to get the explanation in a different manner. I know that when I was in school, if there was something that took a while for me to understand, my parents may actually make up additional questions for me to solve, to ensure that I understand the overall concept, not just how to get the correct answer for that one question.

It is always more important that the student understand the concept, not just getting the correct answers. In college when I was taking organic chemistry, there were two professors that taught that course. The one taught things more as what to memorize -- if you have reagent A and catalyst B, you get this type of product C. The other taught more on the underlying concepts -- why does reagent A react in the presence of catalyst B to get product C. He would have us draw diagrams of the chemicals and show how the electrons would move about in order for the reaction to occur. After completing O-Chem, I could tell the difference between the students that had the first prof. vs. the second. Although the students for the first prof. always got high grades in o-chem, their understanding was limited to just what would be on the tests. The students from the second prof. had a better grasp of the underlying concepts, and so were able to use that knowledge to piece together what they learned in o-chem to help with more advanced chemistry classes. In fact since I was a student of the second prof., in grad school I was able to propose a plausible reaction to what we were studying... We knew what the reactant and products looked like, but we were trying to determine how the protein worked. Looking at comparative structure of this protein with others, we could assume that this protein acted in a similar manner. Since the other proteins functioned in a particular way, if I assume the protein we were studying also did the same reaction, I was able to show how the reactant interacting with the protein would result in the product.

Thus I think when parents are helping children, I think it is more important that the parents try to help by explaining the concept in a way that the child understands, and not be focused so much on that child getting the correct answer; the correct answers will eventually come about with a solid understanding of the underlying concepts.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: annettefayeroach on January 25, 2012, 11:18:32 am
If a parent can help then yes they should help. :wave:
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: marcar1008 on January 30, 2012, 08:36:37 am
I agree with you. Children need to use their mind and review what they learned in school. Homework is to apply what they learned during class. If they need help then we can come and help. The bad thing is, I have had this experience with my child, his math teacher has different methods of teaching and requires him to show his work. Since I learned how to do these math problems a different way, then all I will do is confuse him more.  :dontknow:
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: ButterflyWings on January 30, 2012, 08:39:07 am
I agree..I help when asked or they need it explained and I check over their work..I have 3 who get lots of homework lol ..Very rarely they ask for help..they usually do it bring it to me to check it and thats about it..
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: mintopewku on January 30, 2012, 08:49:16 am
I really think is depends on the kid.  And what you call help.  For some kids, they have to be reminded or even made to sit down and do their homework.  Others have it done before the parent even thinks about homework needing to be done.  I don't think parents should solve all the problems.  But I do think the interaction to checking problems, or better yet having the kid teach you how to get the answer.  Reading outloud, the kid to the parent, helps in so many ways.  Even if it's math.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: twol on January 31, 2012, 11:54:12 pm
Yes, I think that parents should help. However, I think the child needs to try to complete the homework to the best of their ability before a parent steps in to help.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: slb1919 on February 01, 2012, 08:09:55 am
I think it is a good thing for a parent to help with homework as long as there not hanging over the kid and saying hurry up.  I sit in the same room where my child does homework all the time.  She loves that I am there and am right where she needs me if she needs help.  I really taking a break but, I do not tell her that.  Then she would not do her homework.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: Jbenert on February 01, 2012, 10:55:19 am
All the above answers are pretty obvious... No, don't give them answers.
But I think a parent should do the homework with their child.
that doesn't mean do it for them, or give them answers, or even help.
BUT it IS quality time with them and then it'll be a refresher for You as parents!
The work is only going to get harder and if you don't understand it, then you can't even TRY to help them with it when they REALLY DO need help.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: sarabtrayior on February 01, 2012, 11:13:10 am
There's a difference in helping and doing. Yes, I think you should help your child understand the problem so that he/she can do the work, but I don't think you should do the work for him/her.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: mrisha on February 03, 2012, 10:20:38 am
If a kid is having problem fully understanding an issue with their homework, I think it is the responsibility to the parent to guide them thru doing their homework, but definitely not doing it.  If you do the homework, that makes for a lazy uneducated kid.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: alwaysinstyle on February 03, 2012, 10:23:05 am
sure parents can help their children with homework.the question is:DO THEY WANT TO HELP THEM?
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: LenoraMinogue on February 03, 2012, 03:38:39 pm
It depends on the homework given and the situation. Yes, it's usually better to let the child attempt to do their homework themselves. But that depends, if a child is already really struggling in school and not asking for help, then a parent should be more involved with the homework. That's not to say to outright give them the answers but to discuss the assignment and to help them think about it more. Though I also don't see any harm if a parent gives a struggling one answer as an example of how to answer the others correctly, say like in a mathmatics situation. That can be really helpful. Then the child could practice on a few and try coming to the answer on their own.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: vicogden on February 03, 2012, 07:02:28 pm
I agree with the original post-- guide rather than do when it comes to your kids' homework.  However, if they are totally lost, you can go further and help them understand by explaining hard-to-grasp concepts in language your child(ren) can understand.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: habby82 on February 03, 2012, 08:11:33 pm
I agree with you sommap you can step in and help out that's what i done with everyone who asked for my help and my parents did the same with me.
Title: Re: Do you think parents should help kids with their homework?
Post by: dreamongirl on February 03, 2012, 08:47:03 pm
yes i think parents should help their kids out with homework. my parents did with me up until like middle school. and right now i help out my nephew with his. sometimes i tell him to do it and i just check to see if he does his work right and if it isn't i tell him that it's not right