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By Ellen Dye, PhD

The first step in combatting homework problems is developing an understanding of the reasons your child is having difficulty.   Some kids neglect their work due to personality characteristics or normal developmental challenges.  Still others may be bored by a particular subject and make their homework in that class a low priority.  For many kids, effective tutoring can be an important part of the solution.

Other kids may have more significant learning issues.  Some bright students have Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or unidentified learning disabilities.  The best approach to identifying the cause of homework problems is to discuss the situation with your child.  Even teenagers can be surprisingly forthcoming when parents have a positive attitude and show a genuine desire to comprehend the student’s perspective.

Kids who continue to struggle despite the best efforts of parents, teachers, and tutors may need more thorough evaluation by a psychologist. Recommendations can include homework strategies, school accommodations, diagnoses, and referrals to appropriate resources.  Parents and students are also educated about the child’s learning style, which is critical in deciding how to approach a problem and to make future academic decisions.  Tutors can work with parents and teachers to implement the recommended strategies.

In some cases, psychotherapy may be a critical component of solving academic problems.  Students are often more willing to communicate with a neutral professional who is not involved in monitoring their academic progress than they are with parents, teachers, and even supportive tutors.  A therapist is essential if underlying psychological disorders, such as depression, are at the root of the problem.  Family therapy can be helpful in improving parent-child communication and helping a student to understand that parents are on her/his side and are the student’s best advocates and advisors.

Ellen Dye is a Licensed Psychologist in Rockville, MD Ellen Dye, Ph.D. For additional information, she can be contacted at (301)770-0275 or EDyePhD@aol.com