Helping your child with schoolwork - even if you're not that good at school work.

We often get asked how parents can help their children with school work. Some parents also say that they are not confident enough to help their children, or that they were never good at school and as a result they feel unable to help their children.

Let's start off by saying parents do not need to be 'teachers' at home. They don't have to be able to understand and complete the schoolwork that has been set to the student. There is a whole loads they can do as parents, which will have positive impact upon students performance.

Here are a few simple things.

1. Help your child keep organised. Ensure they have all the equipment they need for their lessons. Checking their timetable and packing the schoolbag the night before will certainly help in this regard

2. Ask your child to show you what work they have done in school. Even if you don't understand the subject matter, you can get an idea of how your child is getting on in that subject. And if you make a habit of asking them about their work, they will take more care in doing it.

3. Keep in touch with your child's teachers. Teachers mostly contact parents when there is a problem. But if you keep a regular contact with your child teachers you can get a overall impression of how your child is progressing.

4. Give your child time and space to complete homework. Rather than nagging them continuously about why they are not studying, agree a timetable of study with your child. That way both you and your child know when study time is, and there is no need for conflict.

Are there anything other points? Comments below.