by Emily Graham at MightyMoms.net

Helping kids with homework is a sweet and sour experience. It’s amazing to see how much they grow and improve over time, and watch them conquer obstacles that come their way. But when those obstacles arrive in the first place, it can be painstakingly difficult for everyone involved. Sometimes children just don’t understand, and parents struggle with finding the right methods to help. There are several ways you can help your child with homework without becoming too overwhelmed yourself. Here are a few.

Incorporate Video Learning

They say seeing is believing, and it turns out, seeing can also be remembering. It seems retention is significantly increased with the use of videos. According to Insivia, seeing a message can mean retaining virtually all of it, while reading about it leaves you with a mere 10 percent. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to incorporate them into your child’s studies. Just be sure to turn off notifications during study time, so you can ensure that your device isn’t adding distractions for your child. The vast diversity in which content is delivered, from the types of videos you’re searching for to the device on which it’s viewed, provides a cornucopia of options that’s suitable for all ages and learning styles. Consider investing in a tablet to enhance learning through apps or streaming videos. Possibly the best option for a versatile, portable streaming device is the new Apple iPad. The 10.2-inch display is large enough to keep your child’s attention, and the generous storage capacity leaves plenty of room for all your streaming and learning apps. The long battery life, multitasking functions, ultra-clear display, and top-notch versatility make it perfect for completing homework assignments and studying difficult subjects.  If Apple products aren’t your thing, there are plenty of Android options available, like the Samsung Galaxy Tab E. It sports a quality display for viewing all those educational tools, and Laptop Mag notes newer versions have sufficient power to tackle your needs.

Consider Your Surroundings

Like adults, kids are easily distracted by the world around them – maybe even more so, because they haven’t yet learned how to block out distractions so they can focus on their studies. Rasmussen College explains that maintaining a healthy at-home learning environment could make all the difference when it comes to completing homework and retaining information. Finding your perfect learning environment might take a few rounds of fine-tuning before you can come up with something that works well for both you and your child. Try to find a quiet space for your youngster to work. If it’s too quiet, turn on some concentration music for background noise. Other types of background noise, such as a television set on low volume, can be distracting and counterproductive. According to some studies, clean environments improve focus. If you have a dedicated homework area for your child, try to keep it clean and clutter-free so your child can focus on homework. But you may also want to consider a creative area that doesn’t need to be kept in perfect condition for tasks that require creative thinking- even if it’s in the playroom.

Become the Student – Let Them Teach You

When your youngster is struggling, consider turning the tables with a little imaginative role-playing. You might start by walking your child through the task, and when you think they understand, begin asking questions as if you don’t know what you should do. For example, you might say, “Is it four?” when the answer is six, and prompt them to show you how it is not four by teaching you how to do the work. This puts the child in charge of learning, and it can be fun for them to get to correct a “mistake” that you’ve made. As a form of child-directed play, this kind of role-playing can help improve subject matter retention, problem-solving, creativity, and other essential learning skills. Helping your kids with homework doesn’t need to be a painful experience. It’s rewarding to see them excel at learning, and master subjects that were once a struggle. A well-thought-out home learning environment, the incorporation of video learning, and child-directed play are just a few painless parenting strategies to help your kids with their homework.