Parenting Expert On What To Do If You Don't Understand Your Child's Homework - Exclusive
You definitely aren't alone if your kiddo brings home a school assignment that leaves you scratching your head. The National Center for Family Literacy found that nearly half of parents struggle to understand their children's homework (via Ed Week). Obviously, if your child is coming to you for help and you are just as clueless as they are — if not more so — tensions can flare. Consider that a third of moms and dads confess that battling over homework has caused fighting in the home (via The Washington Post).
With all of this in mind, we turned to Cathy Domoney, a world-renowned parenting expert and author, for help with, well, helping our kids with their homework. Because what the heck do you do when you don't get what they are learning in school?
Domoney was quick to confirm that it's not just us in this frustrating situation. "This is an excellent question and very relevant to me," she said, adding that math is the subject she struggles with. The good news is that the mom of many has a few tips for how to navigate this tricky terrain.
It's okay to show your child that you need help with the homework too
Cathy Domoney says a key way to handle homework help hurdles with your kids is to be honest. "I make a habit of openly sharing with my children when I am not confident in a subject," she told The List in our exclusive interview. Why is this important?
As Domoney explains, modeling that you are unashamed when you don't understand something in front of your kids "unconsciously gives them permission to do the same." She adds, "In the future they are bound to come across ideas and subjects that challenge them, and they need to feel confident about embracing those challenges."
So, showing that you too have "intellectual roadblocks" "helps you demonstrate that you may be initially clueless, but can seek the support and resources you need to learn more," she says. Then it's time to recruit some resources, from textbooks to those YouTube videos, tutors, friends who may have strengths in areas you don't and your child's teacher.
"The most important lesson you can offer is that learning occurs in pursuit of answers," Domoney concludes.