As parents, we often try to do whatever we can so that our children succeed.  Although there is nothing wrong with this mindset, sometimes we end up taking on their responsibilities as our own.  For this reason, sometimes children depend on their parents to get things done, rather than taking responsibility for them.  Since we have also seen this in schoolwork, we want to discuss how you can teach your kids to be more responsible for their own schoolwork.

Stop Thinking of School As “Our” Work

There is nothing wrong with helping your child study – in fact, it’s encouraged.  That being said, sometimes parents find themselves saying “our project is due tomorrow” or “we have a test tomorrow.”  Instead of having this mindset, you should try to help your child understand that it’s their responsibility.  Instead of “We need to study,” you should say, “You have a test tomorrow, but if you need help studying, let me know.”  It’s little changes like this that will ultimately let them know that their success is up to them.

Find Out What Works For Them

As a parent, you have to set some rules, but you should also be open to finding out what works for them when it comes to their schoolwork.  For instance, if they aren’t staying organized, instead of organizing their backpack yourself, try asking them what they think would help keep them organized.  Or if they can’t stay focused, you can ask them what they think is the best place for them to do their homework.

Teach Them to Monitor Their Progress

When children bring home their graded homework assignments or tests, it’s the perfect opportunity to teach them how to be responsible for their work.  If they received a good grade, then of course they deserve to be praised for their hard work.  If they didn’t receive a good grade, on the other hand, then it’s your chance to sit with them and figure out why – without getting angry.  Is it because they didn’t understand that subject, they didn’t dedicate enough time to studying, they need to re-evaluate their study habits, or maybe even get help from online tutoring NYC?  By asking these questions, they will better understand why they got the grades that they got.

By teaching your children to be responsible for their own work, you’re helping them be successful in school, and in life as well.