Schoolwork and the parent-child relationship ?
5 striking conclusions :
1. Nearly 13% of Belgian parents do not help their children with their homework. Nearly 84% of parents do help, while 43% say they do it often.
Click to see some parents' comments
In the beginning I was monitoring my child’s work a lot, afterwards I did what I could and he realized I could not follow anymore. Our relationship changed and conflicts started. The door is closed since college.
A dynamic person could do wonders. But it is true that not all children agree to be helped by their parents.
2. 60% of children spend one to three hours a day on their schoolwork, according to their parents. 4% spend more than three hours.
Click to see some parents' comments
Our children really devote a large amount of time to their homework. They do it every evening and another one or two half-days during the weekends. This is too much for us to be able to help them, especially as my husband and I both work.
They work in their room about two hours per day. If there is a lot of work, they spend one hour more after dinner. They also study in between classes at school.
3. More than ¾ of parents think their children get enough homework. 14% believe they get to much homework and 8% that they do not get enough.
Click to see some parents' comments
Even if the principle of homework is interesting as it allows the pupil to memorize and interpret the study matters by himself, 2 hours per day seems to be too much. And this makes school a stress factor. It actually stresses me more than my child !
Ideally, all schoolwork should be done at school. Because children also need time to unwind, to practice sports or just do nothing.
4. Parents help their children with their homework because they believe it is part of their role as father and mother, but also because they want their child to be the best of his class. On this point it is particularly the fathers who are very ambitious.
Click to see some parents' responses
- Because it is the role of a parent: 33,3%
- So that the child will be the best in his class : 33,3%
- As a follow up on their daily activities: 14,3%
- To make sure the work has been completed : 9,52%
5. The schoolwork done together generates a positive link between the parent and the child : the majority of parents talk about a cordial and harmonious relationship. Only a tiny minority mentions an authoritative relationship.
Click to see some parents' comments
To help your children with their schoolwork is part of the daily tasks of the parents. Of course, we could do without…These moments can be qualitative, but I prefer to spend the nice times with my children on holidays, for example. Even so, it is true that the children appreciate these moments together. They like being helped by their mother or father
In primary school, the report is easy, the parents’ view is light. In secondary school the problems arise : more work, puberty, etc. This can provoke conflicts and shouting. I am worried for my children’s results. The relationship starts to deteriorate.
