How to Help with Math Homework Without Doing It for Them

The Temptation to Just Give the Answer

We've all been there. It's late, everyone's tired, and your child is stuck on problem 7. It's so tempting to just say "the answer is 24" and be done.

But this doesn't help them learn — and often backfires.

Why Giving Answers Hurts

When we provide answers:

• Kids don't develop problem-solving skills
• They learn to wait for rescue instead of persisting
• They can't do similar problems independently
• Teachers can't identify gaps in understanding

Better Questions to Ask

Instead of explaining, try asking:

To activate prior knowledge:

• "What do you already know about this?"
• "Have you seen a problem like this before?"

To encourage reading:

• "What is the problem asking you to find?"
• "What information does it give you?"

To prompt strategies:

• "What could you try first?"
• "Could you draw a picture?"
• "What operation do you think you need?"

To encourage checking:

• "Does your answer make sense?"
• "How could you check that?"

When They're Really Stuck

Sometimes questions aren't enough. Try:

Work a similar problem: Do a different problem of the same type while they watch, then have them try theirs.

Break it down: "Forget the whole problem. Can you just do this first part?"

Look back at notes/examples: "What did your teacher show you? Let's find an example."

Move on and come back: Sometimes a break helps.

Creating Good Homework Habits

• Same time, same place every day
• Start with harder subjects when energy is high
• Remove distractions (phone, TV)
• Take short breaks between subjects
• Have supplies ready

When to Talk to the Teacher

Contact the teacher if:

• Homework regularly takes much longer than expected
• Your child consistently doesn't understand
• There seem to be gaps in foundational skills
• Anxiety or crying is common

Teachers want to know! They can provide extra support or adjust the work.

The Goal: Independence

Your job is to work yourself out of a job. A child who can:

• Read the problem carefully
• Try multiple strategies
• Check their own work
• Identify when to ask for help

...is set up for success, in math and beyond.