As parents, we often find ourselves in a unique position when it comes to supporting our children through their school years. Whether it’s helping with homework or encouraging effective revision, the goal is always the same: to support their academic progress. However, the journey towards creating positive outcomes for our children can sometimes feel like navigating through a maze of frustration, misunderstandings, and even stress.
But here’s the good news: by adopting a few simple strategies, you can transform this process into something much more rewarding—both for you and your child. You might even find that you achieve some surprising results. Here are some ways you can support your child for revision or help with homework, leading to positive outcomes.
1. Create a positive, supportive environment
The first step to fostering a productive homework or revision session is to create an environment that promotes focus and positivity. This doesn’t mean you need a state-of-the-art study space - sometimes a quiet corner with a comfortable chair and a well-lit desk is all you need. However, it is important to minimise distractions such as phones, TV, and noisy siblings. This creates a space where your child can feel supported and able to focus.
Additionally, make sure to foster a positive and open atmosphere. Instead of making revision or homework feel like a punishment, encourage your child to approach their work with curiosity and confidence. Praise their effort, not just the outcome. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in improving their mindset and willingness to tackle academic challenges.
2. Establish a routine
Children thrive on routine, especially when it comes to homework or revision. By setting a consistent time each day for study-related tasks, you help your child develop good habits that can carry them through their academic years. Encourage breaks to avoid burnout, such as a five-minute rest after 30 minutes of focused work. This helps them to stay refreshed and avoid mental fatigue.
Importantly, balance their routine with activities they enjoy. If your child has some free time after homework or revision, allow them to pursue hobbies, spend time with friends, or relax. A good mix of work and play contributes to their overall well-being, which is essential for academic success.
3. Be a facilitator, not a fixer
It's natural to want to help your child get things “right” when they’re struggling with their work. However, your role should be more about guiding and facilitating rather than doing the work for them. Help them break tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. Ask guiding questions that prompt them to think critically, rather than providing answers. This approach will not only boost their problem-solving skills but also increase their independence and confidence in tackling academic challenges.
You may also find that this approach helps with subjects where they feel less confident. For example, instead of providing direct answers to a Maths problem, you can ask questions like: “What part of this problem do you find tricky?” or “Can you explain how you might approach this?” This encourages them to think through their difficulties and find solutions independently.
4. Encourage active learning
Supporting your child doesn’t always have to mean sitting beside them while they work. Instead, encourage active learning techniques that make studying more interactive. For instance, if your child is revising for a History exam, you can help them create mind maps or flashcards to summarise key information. These methods encourage them to engage with the content in a way that makes it easier to remember and apply.
Active learning doesn’t just improve memory—it can also make the process more enjoyable. By involving your child in discussions, encouraging them to teach you what they’ve learned, or even creating a quiz together, you can make revision feel less like a chore and more like an interesting challenge.
5. Provide emotional support
Revision and homework can sometimes bring out feelings of stress and anxiety, especially when exams are on the horizon. As a parent, it’s essential to be mindful of your child’s emotional well-being. Encourage open conversations about how they are feeling. If they’re struggling with motivation or fear of failure, listen carefully and offer reassurance.
It’s equally important to teach them that mistakes are part of the learning process. Mistakes are not something to fear—they’re a stepping stone to improvement. Help them reframe negative thinking and emphasise the importance of persistence and growth rather than perfection.
6. Celebrate progress, not just results
One of the most surprising outcomes of supporting your child with revision and homework is the confidence they develop through consistent effort. As they grow more independent and resilient, their academic success will reflect this, and you will notice not just improvement in grades but an overall positive shift in their attitude towards learning.
Instead of solely focusing on the end result, such as the grade on a test or assignment, celebrate the progress they make along the way. If your child has managed to study consistently for a week or overcome a particularly challenging topic, acknowledge these achievements. This helps them feel valued for their effort, not just their performance.
7. Maintain a partnership with teachers
Another great way to support your child’s revision and homework routine is by maintaining communication with their teachers. Teachers are invaluable partners in your child’s education and can offer insights into where they might be struggling, how they’re progressing, and what further support they may need.
By discussing your child’s reports and showing interest in their academic development, you send the message that their education is a priority. It also allows you to provide additional help at home in line with what’s being taught at school.
8. The surprising outcome: a love of learning
Ultimately, the most positive outcome of all may be a shift in your child’s attitude toward learning. With your support, they may come to see revision and homework not as tasks to be dreaded but as opportunities to develop new skills and tackle challenges. Instead of simply aiming for good grades, they may begin to embrace the process of learning for its own sake. This attitude will serve them not just through school but in the years beyond as they learn to approach life’s challenges with confidence and curiosity.
In conclusion, while supporting your child with homework and revision can sometimes seem daunting, the rewards are invaluable. By creating a positive environment, maintaining an open line of communication, and focusing on effort over outcomes, you can help your child achieve surprising results—academic and personal growth. With your support, they will not only improve their grades but also develop a lifelong love of learning. And that’s what really matters…
Christian Hughes
Deputy Head - Academic