What to do?(5th grade homework problems) LONG

[chris1gill]

We also passed 5th grade, so we feel we have the knowledge and the skills to help our son do the same. Besides, I'm sure other parents are helping their kids with their homework, so by NOT doing so, we are putting our son at a disadvantage.

TOTALLY agree here... you are doing a disservice to your son by not checking his homework.... Your job is to help him, and that includes looking at what he is and is not doing correctly... these are the years when they are forming their work habits... you really need to be sure that your son is working up to his potential on a timely basis I also have a bright fifth grader & this is what we have to do... as his parents we owe it to him to give him all of the help and attention that he still needs... we don't do it for him, but we help him schedule his time and review any work that is going back to the school...

 

[jrydberg]

The only concern I see here is that he lied about his homework being done. He's obviously getting his homework done on time and doing it well enough to maintain As. But lying to you about it is not acceptable. For that, I would punish him fairly severely. But I wouldn't follow up by hovering over his shoulder as he does homework. Just make it very clear that you expect him to be truthful in his answers and that he is responsible for his actions.

Edited to add: Teaching kids to be independent is every bit as important as helping them when they need it. It's difficult to balance the two, but sometimes backing off is helping them.