Dr. Lee Hausner, author of Homework Without Tears, shares that an important aspect of success in any part of life, including homework, is developing perseverance and hard work. Even if your child is naturally more academic, they will come to a point where they will struggle and need to push past the frustrations they feel. Dr. Hausner explains that in order to help a child develop perseverance they need to delay gratification and help their child step out of their comfort zone. “Achievement builds self-esteem,” she says. “And the only way that you can achieve is to have to go through periods of time where you step outside a comfort zone.” When a child is struggling with their homework, let them work through it as this is how they will learn and it will help them persevere in other aspects of their life.

While it’s important to let them work through their struggles independently, some times they may need your assistance. Steve Reifman, teacher and author, says it’s important for parents to provide just the right amount of assistance. “We don’t want to help too much and deprive them of a learning opportunity and we don’t want to help them too little and cause them to struggle and grow frustrated and perhaps shut down,” he says. “We want to help them just enough to keep moving.” The following three easy steps are Reifman’s tips to help them “keep moving” through their homework:

1. Read the homework directions with them. 

2. Let them begin on their own but be close to help answer their questions.

3. When they finish, go over the material with them.

Educational specialist Nathalie Kunin also advises parents to make sure the environment is conducive to your child’s learning style. This may entail setting up a quiet area for them or letting them study at the kitchen table so you are close by to help. Make sure they are in a place where they can enjoy learning! You can make your home a fun place to learn by playing educational games as a family. Mimi Lichterman, mother and educator, says even math can be made more fun by playing games like Uno or chess which will help your child critically think and learn strategy. After playing math games with her kids for years she says, “It is so empowering and exciting to see my children being such great mathematical thinkers.”

Do you have specific questions you want to ask our experts? Join us tomorrow, November 18th at 3:30pm PST for our Google Hangout “HOMEWORK HELP 101: Conquering the Homework Battle.” We will be joined by Lee Hausner and Steve Reifman who will be answering your questions live! Click here to RSVP.