For many nannies and babysitters — especially after-school sitters — helping with homework comes with the territory. And, odds are, your charge’s reaction to “time to do your homework” is less than enthusiastic — so having an arsenal of homework tools in your magic bag is key.
“It’s quite common for babysitters and nannies to assist with homework,” says Danielle Sadler, marketing director of Adventure Nannies, who adds that the task should be discussed on the front end with parents when developing your work contract. “Nannies often become integral parts of a child’s educational development, using their unique skills and experiences to make learning more interactive and engaging. That said, these expectations will be different in each working relationship, so it is vital for nannies and parents to clarify these role-specific expectations in the beginning.”
Here, Sadler and other experts offer advice for developing a plan for helping kids with homework, along with tips for getting clear on expectations.
“It’s important to have a mutual understanding of expectations and strategies. Parents and nannies need to agree on what level of assistance is appropriate, which subjects the nanny is comfortable helping with and how to handle difficulties that arise.”
— Kristen Szapka, founder and owner of A Nanny Match in New York
Talk about homework help expectations up front
Before tackling homework with the kids, make sure you’ve discussed the task with your employer to see both if it’s part of your duties and any personal preferences they may have.
“It’s important to have a mutual understanding of expectations and strategies,” says Kristen Szapka, founder and owner of A Nanny Match nanny agency in New York City and Boston. “Parents and nannies need to agree on what level of assistance is appropriate, which subjects the nanny is comfortable helping with and how to handle difficulties that arise.”
For instance, Szapka explains, for some families “homework supervision” just means “make sure it’s complete,” but “depending on the family’s needs, the child’s age and academic requirements,” more may be involved. It’s important to get clear right off the bat. Also, Szapka notes, if tutoring (different than helping with homework) is part of the job, your hourly rate should be higher than a typical nanny role.
In addition to making sure everyone is on the same page in regards to homework help, engaging in clear conversations around homework early on “sets the stage for a successful partnership between nannies and families,” Sadler says.
“Open, upfront discussions about academic expectations and responsibilities while negotiating the work agreement can eliminate confusion down the line and enable a more harmonious relationship,” she adds.
“Setting a time each day for homework help is integral to maintaining a sustainable routine. This helps children know what is expected of them and helps them stay focused. Having predictable routines can provide a sense of security.”
— Kristen Szapka, founder and owner of A Nanny Match in New York
Homework tips for nannies and babysitters
Here’s how to set yourself up for homework help success, according to the experts.
1. Set a consistent schedule
Both Sadler and Szapka agree that maintaining a consistent schedule is one of the most important aspects of homework time. (The Department of Education also agrees.) “Setting a time each day for homework help, ideally when the child is not too tired or hungry, is integral to maintaining a sustainable routine,” Szapka says. “This helps children know what is expected of them and helps them stay focused.”
“Having predictable routines can provide a sense of security for children,” Sadler adds, “which can enhance their focus on tasks at hand and promote time management skills.”
2. Set the tone
While you don’t need to stage a mock classroom, having an environment conducive to learning is key. “A designated workspace that’s quiet, well-lit and organized can go a long way in fostering focus and productivity,” notes Sadler, who says nannies and sitters can even design a homework station or space with kids. “This gives kids an opportunity to lead the way with their creativity and to express their hopes for this learning space.”
Szapka adds that the space should be stocked with necessary supplies, well-lit, quiet and free of distractions — in other words, sans TVs and other devices.
3. Provide guidance, not answers
It may be tempting to just give kids the answer to a question they’re struggling with in order to move on, but resist the urge, as it benefits no one.
“It’s important for children to learn to work independently and problem-solve,” says Szapka. “Encourage children to read directions carefully, think critically and come up with solutions on their own before stepping in.”
4. Offer real life examples
To the above point, Sadler recommends offering real life examples when kids are struggling (or when you’re just explaining). “Making learning interactive and relevant by using real life examples and situations can inspire deeper understanding and engagement,” she notes. “Research child development methodologies like Montessori and RIE [which is for young kids], and discover new ways to make learning a child-led, multi-sensory, immersive experience.”
Jaclyn Santos, a mom of three in Hazlet, New Jersey, often changes the names in her son’s math word problems to kids in his class, along with the items. “Instead of discussing how ‘Sally has more erasers than Johnny,’ I’d say ‘Cole has more Pokemon cards than Lucas,’” she explains. “He can visualize better and it keeps him engaged.”
“Whether it’s words of encouragement or granting additional time for a favored activity, positive reinforcement can keep children motivated and invested in their work. Communicate with the child, when it’s age-appropriate to do so, to develop a plan that is aligned with their values and needs.”
— Danielle Sadler, marketing director of Adventure Nannies
5. Break down each task
“Large assignments can feel overwhelming,” Szapka says. “Break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks and help children tackle them one at a time.”
This practice, according to Understood, can be particularly helpful for kids that have trouble with organization or time management. Here’s how they recommend doing it, step-by-step:
- Figure out how much time your child has.
- Figure out how long it will take to do each task.
- Write down each task.
- Put the task cards in order.
- Assign a deadline for each task.
- Review the child’s progress.
6. Offer positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement, which has been proven to work “exceedingly better and faster” than punishment, is a great tool for homework, according to both Szapka and Sadler.
“Whether it’s words of encouragement or granting additional time for a favored activity, positive reinforcement can keep children motivated and invested in their work,” Sadler says. “Communicate with the child, when it’s age-appropriate to do so, to develop a plan that is aligned with their values and needs.”
7. Foster a growth mindset
It’s a buzzy phrase, but adopting a growth mindset (thinking capabilities and talents can improve with effort) over a fixed mindset (thinking capabilities and talents are unchangeable) has proven to be beneficial for students, particularly low-achieving ones.
“Encouraging a growth mindset, where children view challenges as opportunities for learning, rather than obstacles, can cultivate a love for learning, as well as resilience,” Sadler says.
An example: Offer praise and recognition when a child gets more spelling words right than they did the previous day that you tested them, even if they still get a number wrong.
“Don’t just praise results, praise effort,” Szapka says. “When children feel appreciated for their hard work, they’re more likely to keep trying and not get discouraged.
8. Offer regular breaks
“Children, especially younger ones, may find it challenging to focus for long periods of time,” says Szapka. “Short breaks can help them recharge and maintain their concentration.”
Two options: A quick walk around the block or a brain break from GoNoodle.
9. Communicate with parents
Regardless of how you think things are going, it’s always a good idea to check in with your employer. “Regular updates about how homework sessions are progressing, what strategies are working or not and any concerns can help everyone stay on the same page,” notes Szapka.
These check-ins should happen “ideally on a weekly basis,” Sadler notes, adding that they “provide an invaluable opportunity for both parties to share insights, celebrate successes, navigate challenges and recalibrate if needed.”
10. Remember, every child is different
Like all things related to children, what works for one, may not work for another (even siblings!). Ultimately, Szapka says, the best approach is going to depend on the child’s needs and learning style. “Experiment with different strategies and adjust as needed,” she says, and keep in mind that “setting children up for success involves a blend of consistency, creativity and compassion.”
