Dealing with Homework Headaches: A Parent’s Guide

Trying to teach a reluctant child trigonometry is enough to test anyone’s patience. Here are some tips for keeping calm when homework time pushes your limits.

If the internet’s endless supply of parenting memes is anything to go by, guiding kids through schoolwork is no easy feat. Children have a knack for testing boundaries and stretching our patience to the breaking point, especially when homework is involved.

The struggle is real, parents — and you are definitely not alone.

Below is a list of the most common homework frustrations parents face, along with some strategies to avoid turning homework into a battle.

1. Repeating Instructions Over and Over

Kids seem to have a built-in filter for parental instructions. Even when they look like they’re paying attention, they may not be taking in a single word. You can spend time carefully explaining a maths problem or reading task only to realise they’ve absorbed nothing.

What not to do:
Stay calm. When we get angry or accusatory — even when our point is valid — kids quickly go on the defensive, tune out, and ignore the message entirely. Avoid asking why they weren’t listening; it will only escalate your frustration.

2. Refusing to Recall an Answer They Clearly Know

You’ve gone over eight examples, repeated the reading passage three times, and provided notes and reminders. Still, they “can’t” recall the protagonist’s name, the multiplication rule, or the capital of Germany — even though you literally just told them.

What not to do:
Avoid saying they’ve wasted your time. While they may ignore much of what you say, negative comments can stick with them for years. Instead, try positive reinforcement: “I know you remember this — take a moment to think about it…”

3. Forgetting or Losing Essential Materials

Few things are more frustrating than a child leaving their textbook, notebook, or calculator at school on the night they need it most. You’ve worked hard to teach planning skills, yet here you are scrambling to find a calculator app 40 minutes after homework should have started.

What not to do:
Resist the urge to lecture about responsibility — at least this time. It might be better to let them face the consequences by turning up at school without the completed work. This way, the lesson comes from their teacher, not you.

Getting Extra Support

If homework time is still a source of tension, an experienced tutor can step in to ease the burden. Children often listen and respond differently when guidance comes from someone who isn’t a parent.

Aussie Edu Hub offers personalised tutoring that can help manage these challenges, boost confidence, and make learning less stressful at home. With one-to-one support, students stay on track — and parents can enjoy a calmer, more productive homework routine.