London - Most of us dreaded getting homework when we were at school. When we become parents, however, it seems we’re only too happy to knuckle down.
Nearly two thirds of parents said they help their children with their work – with one in six admitting to regularly doing all of it, a study has found.
One in ten said their assistance prevented tantrums and a bad atmosphere in the evenings.
But it could have been a case of crocodile tears because 70 percent said their children are more than happy to sit back and have their work done for them, while 38 percent said their youngsters even wander off and leave them to puzzle over the text books.
And puzzle they do, for a quarter agreed that the work set was too hard, while two thirds admitted there had been times when they couldn’t lend a hand because it was too difficult.
Some 18 percent fear that teachers judge them for the standard of their children’s work.
Meanwhile a competitive 42 percent confessed it gives them a kick when their youngsters receive high marks for a project they have helped with.
The survey also found that one in 20 couples argue regularly about homework. Common disagreements were about the best way to tackle the work, which parent should help, not helping enough and interfering too much.
A spokesman for educational trade show Bett, which carried out the survey, said: ‘There is a fine line between helping your child understand their studies and completely taking over.
‘It’s probably best just to be there as a sounding board if you’re child gets stuck on something.’ - Daily Mail