Working parents, how do you help your child with homework?
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shyb:
sometimes really have to depend on the child independence as well. If he is able to do his homework by himself without nagging, there will be less stress for the parents. As for my DS, I need to nag at him to finish up his homework, as he rather play or do nothing in the free time. If not just anyhow do his work to entertain me. By the time i am home and is late and need to go through his work. Of course anger will flare out. The only solution i'm trying is to talk sense to him.
Exactly!!! Is so stresssful to coach them cos \"patience\" is a real challenge with our own kids especially.... :stompfeet: -
I decided early on what was important to me. So while for financial reasons I had to work, I made sure I was in an organisation where I could knock off at a decent hour (6pm) and do work (if necessary) after the kids’ needs had been seen to for the night.
I had a helper and I paid her more than market rates so that she took care of the house with less supervision from me.
I got DH’s support that after dinner time was homework checking time so he waited till 9.30pm before playing with them.
I have 2 DDs who are obedient and hard working so that helped a lot as they would finish their homework as best they could by the evening, but it was still a scamble to check all the homework from school, plus what I had set them all in that 2 hours. I tried to do corrections immediately so that it was 'fresh" and noted the questions they couldn’t do or areas they needed more work on so that I could tackle this over the weekend. I used weekends and holidays to "catch up" - we would have a nice meal during these periods but there would still be work to do.
Yes, there were many tears and raised voices especially when after their homework, I had to do my own from the office but I had determined that my DDs were worth my effort so I plowed on.
I think it helps if you clearly demarcate the time so that during this period when you review work with them after your work, it is time with them and no one else (I put away the computer and my office work documents because it was too distracting).
I’m done with this part of the journey ( Dd2 cleared PSLE last year) and the kids are on their own as far as academics are concerned; but I don’t think I would have done it differently.
For us who work, it can be all-consuming if you let it be. I guess if you want to take this part of your child’s journey alongside with them, work has to give for that period. I can only say that for myself, it was tough but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Mummies ( and Daddies too) don’t be too hard on yourselves - it really is a lot to cope with all at once. Take a bow for your efforts - good job! -
psle2011mum:
I decided early on what was important to me. So while for financial reasons I had to work, I made sure I was in an organisation where I could knock off at a decent hour (6pm) and do work (if necessary) after the kids' needs had been seen to for the night.
I had a helper and I paid her more than market rates so that she took care of the house with less supervision from me.
I got DH's support that after dinner time was homework checking time so he waited till 9.30pm before playing with them.
I have 2 DDs who are obedient and hard working so that helped a lot as they would finish their homework as best they could by the evening, but it was still a scamble to check all the homework from school, plus what I had set them all in that 2 hours. I tried to do corrections immediately so that it was 'fresh\" and noted the questions they couldn't do or areas they needed more work on so that I could tackle this over the weekend. I used weekends and holidays to \"catch up\" - we would have a nice meal during these periods but there would still be work to do.
Yes, there were many tears and raised voices especially when after their homework, I had to do my own from the office but I had determined that my DDs were worth my effort so I plowed on.
I think it helps if you clearly demarcate the time so that during this period when you review work with them after your work, it is time with them and no one else (I put away the computer and my office work documents because it was too distracting).
I'm done with this part of the journey ( Dd2 cleared PSLE last year) and the kids are on their own as far as academics are concerned; but I don't think I would have done it differently.
For us who work, it can be all-consuming if you let it be. I guess if you want to take this part of your child's journey alongside with them, work has to give for that period. I can only say that for myself, it was tough but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Mummies ( and Daddies too) don't be too hard on yourselves - it really is a lot to cope with all at once. Take a bow for your efforts - good job!
Dear psle2011mum,
First of all, i need to :udawoman: :salute: and i hve also printed out the above valuable message to remind and inspire myself to start doing the same ... :xedfingers: :xedfingers: :xedfingers: -
psle2011mum:
I take my hat off to you but I think it's a great shame that all of this is necessary.I decided early on what was important to me. So while for financial reasons I had to work, I made sure I was in an organisation where I could knock off at a decent hour (6pm) and do work (if necessary) after the kids' needs had been seen to for the night.
I had a helper and I paid her more than market rates so that she took care of the house with less supervision from me.
I got DH's support that after dinner time was homework checking time so he waited till 9.30pm before playing with them.
I have 2 DDs who are obedient and hard working so that helped a lot as they would finish their homework as best they could by the evening, but it was still a scamble to check all the homework from school, plus what I had set them all in that 2 hours. I tried to do corrections immediately so that it was 'fresh\" and noted the questions they couldn't do or areas they needed more work on so that I could tackle this over the weekend. I used weekends and holidays to \"catch up\" - we would have a nice meal during these periods but there would still be work to do.
Yes, there were many tears and raised voices especially when after their homework, I had to do my own from the office but I had determined that my DDs were worth my effort so I plowed on.
I think it helps if you clearly demarcate the time so that during this period when you review work with them after your work, it is time with them and no one else (I put away the computer and my office work documents because it was too distracting).
I'm done with this part of the journey ( Dd2 cleared PSLE last year) and the kids are on their own as far as academics are concerned; but I don't think I would have done it differently.
For us who work, it can be all-consuming if you let it be. I guess if you want to take this part of your child's journey alongside with them, work has to give for that period. I can only say that for myself, it was tough but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Mummies ( and Daddies too) don't be too hard on yourselves - it really is a lot to cope with all at once. Take a bow for your efforts - good job! -
Hi psle2011mum,
Did u send your girls to tuition classes during their primary levels? -
Hi Snowball
No lah...nothing special about what I did. Lots of parents at this forum doing what I did and more.
Kids had (and still have for sec HMT) once a week Berries for Chinese cos I'm not good enough at it ( mark Chinese exam answers in English is my standard )
Hi nsm1
Yup I agree it's sad and not sure how this will all pan out for us but just want to encourage those still in this scenario not to be disheartened. :snuggles: Your DC need all the support they can get from you. -
Hi psle2011 mum,
I pm you. -
[quote]I'm done with this part of the journey ( Dd2 cleared PSLE last year) and the kids are on their own as far as academics are concerned[/quote]
Hi psle2011mum,
Do you still support their secondary studies in any way? Do they ever ask for guidance for algebra/geometry/other topics?
Or are you taking it easy now but plan to step up supervision in their O and A level years?
Just curious about what lies ahead for me & dh. -
nansk:
[quote]I'm done with this part of the journey ( Dd2 cleared PSLE last year) and the kids are on their own as far as academics are concerned
Hi psle2011mum,
Do you still support their secondary studies in any way? Do they ever ask for guidance for algebra/geometry/other topics?
Or are you taking it easy now but plan to step up supervision in their O and A level years?
Just curious about what lies ahead for me & dh.[/quote]On odd occasion I have to solve quadratic equations, balance valances and yesterday, I helped DD2 to read a micropipette
But no, I am hands off now on a day to day basis (too busy with office work and housework) but I still arrange resources [ buy useful guidebooks, borrow material from seniors] for them. The kids have to self-study, ask their friends or teachers and during the hols, I get a Chinese tutor in to read with them and practice oral. They still do Berries once a week for their HMT and more recently, I gave DD1 holiday tuition for Chem as she was scrapping through an A only with a lot of hard work -- so I paid for 10 lessons with a tutor for her to polish up her foundation.
My stepping away is not a piece of cake - in fact it is much harder to do this and see them struggle and fail... but I can't be providing a crutch for them all the way. The DDs take much longer than other kids to figure things out cos they are mostly on their own and have to muddle through a fair bit but I do believe that is the learning process and they do need to go through it. Most of their friends are tutored because this is more expedient [ faster and more direct help] and allows these friends to 'do more\" - music, prefects, sports...
DD1 has to balance a lot of balls in the air and yes, there are times when things slip, drop, fall... fail... but again, that is life and learning... no?
Anyway \" Bad Mummy\" here believes in making it on your own steam so this is how we will press on for the O-levels.
The A-levels is a bit away -- I'll have to think of what to do in a couple of years time.
BTW, based on DD1's experience (and showing true so far for DD2) , PSLE Math and Science is enough (by this I mean scoring A1s but just slightly above a minimum for A1 and not like the scholars who are closer to getting full marks) foundation till mid year of Sec 2... -
peapot:
Hi everyone I face the same problems too. As my gal is in the morning, I only have one hour with her in the night. The major problem I have now is mAth. I don't know how to teach her!! I need to get a tutor that can come to my Hse to teach P 3 math. Any one kind enough to give recommendations?
Hi peapot, if you still need tutors I can recommend from my list of registered tutors. I am a Maths teacher myself, but depending on where you stay, I may or may not be able to help your kid.
Dear parents, do not be too hard on yourself. If your child really needs help for homework, there are a few ways:
1) Arrange consultations with school teachers before school start (if your child is in PM session) or after school ends (if your child is in AM session). School teacher is the best person to help your child, and its free.
2) If you can help your child, you are the next best choice! However, if the teaching-learning experience fail to bond you and your child, and instead, you ended up losing your patience/your child loses faith in your knowledge and skills, hire help.
3) Hire help by getting an experienced home tutor. He/She need not be a trained teacher. They are full time tutors or part time tutors (working adults, undergrads, poly students) who are very experienced and able to help your child with homework and even push your child to learn beyond what the school is teaching him/her. Another option for hired help is tuition centers, but these can't help with homework. Your child will just end up with more work, or more question marks.
4) If your child has special learning needs (dyslexic, ADHD, autism, etc.), you will definitely need to get 1-to-1 home tutor.
I can help with home tuition if anyone needs recommendations. Just call me at 96961446. If you are unsure if your child really needs tuition, you can also call for a chat. No obligations so not to worry.
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