Homework Help for Middle School Families

Supporting your middle schooler with homework can be challenging. When parents and preteens stay positive during homework time, outcomes are better for children. This can be difficult because middle school is a time of stress for both caregivers and teens.  Below are some tips that can help you as you work to support your student with their homework.

  1. Encourage your child and explain your high expectations for them.
  2. Start from a positive viewpoint: acknowledge aloud the hard work your child is doing.
  3. Ask your student each day about what homework they have. Answering that question will help them learn organizational skills for keeping track of work.
  4. Create a time and place in your home for doing homework. Routines help students succeed.
  5. If you find homework is overwhelming for you and your child, take breaks and take some deep breaths.  Be kind to yourself because conflict over homework is normal in the teen years. 
  6. Do not do the homework for your child or feel like you need to understand the content yourself. Your job is to support your child as they take on these new skills. If your student doesn’t understand their homework, it’s time to reach out to the teacher.
  7. Make an appointment with the teacher to check up on student’s progress. If your school has family conferences, that can be a good time for a check in.
  8. Use your school’s grading portal to help you to track missing assignments. It’s normal for early middle schoolers to have a tough time tracking all their assignments, and you can help.
  9. If grades are not regularly posted, contact teachers to find out how you can know if your student has missing assignments.
  10. Remind yourself and your student that the purpose of homework is to help master the skills they’re learning during the day. One day of homework will not make or break your student. Homework is just one piece of the puzzle for success in school.

Deep Dive on This Subject

Helping Your Child with Homework: When and How to Step In

The Role of Parents During the Middle School Years: Strategies for Teachers to Support Middle School Family Engagement

Our Address

  • 2 Pillsbury St
  • Suite 302
  • Concord, NH 03301

Hours

  • M-F 9am - 5pm EST

Contact Info

Sign up for our newsletter
©2025 NHSFEC All Rights Reserved