Homework: Encouraging your child to become autonomous

In addition to helping your child do their homework, your job as a parent is to help them gain a sense of responsibility. To help them take their first steps toward autonomy, you could give them the simple mission of getting all their homework materials together. Here are a few things you can do to encourage them:

• Suggest they make a checklist so nothing gets overlooked
• Celebrate when they don’t forget anything
• Check their agenda to see what’s happening the next day (i.e., don’t forget your gym clothes, bring a cold snack, etc.)
• Etc.

These days, life is hectic for most families. This means that it’s not always possible to let your child decide when they want to do their homework. However, you can ask them which assignments they want to tackle first. This will give them a sense of control and freedom. They might want to start with one of the following:

• Their favourite subject
• Their least favourite subject
• Their shortest homework assignment
• Their longest homework assignment
• The first assignment on their list
• Etc.

Finding answers without help not only facilitates information retention, but also promotes independent learning. Here are a few tips you can give your child:

• Look in the dictionary
• Check previous exercises
• Use online research tools
• Ask a classmate for help (by phone, for example)
• Consult our website
• Etc.

While sitting close to your child, ask them to read their assignment instructions aloud. To make sure they understand everything and to guide their work process, you can ask them the following questions:

• Can you explain in your own words what you’re being asked to do?
• What will you need to do this assignment?
• Where should you start?
• Etc.

Focusing on effort rather than results is a good way to boost your child’s self-confidence. Children who believe in themselves have an easier time being autonomous. Here are a few ways to encourage your child to be more independent:

• Tell them how proud you are of them
• Acknowledge their progress
• Offer them words of encouragement
• Etc.