When Parents Become Students: The Challenges of Homework Help

Do you ever feel like you're back in school when helping your kids with homework? You're not alone! As subjects get tougher, parents everywhere are stepping up to support their children's learning. We've surveyed over 1,000 parents of K-8 students to uncover the hurdles they're facing, how their own school experiences come into play, and how they're using technology to bridge the gap.

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 3 in 5 parents (59%) struggle to help their children with homework.
• 41% of parents avoid helping their children with homework, and over 1 in 4 parents (27%) feel frustrated when trying to help. 
• Parents avoid Math (81%), Science (20%), and Language Arts (19%) homework the most.
• 84% of parents Google the answers to their children's homework.
• 44% of parents use ChatGPT to find the answers to their children's homework.
• 42% of parents have given their children incorrect information while helping with homework, and 58% admit to second-guessing their own answers.

Are Parents Making the Grade?

Today's parents are juggling more challenges than ever when it comes to their kids' schoolwork. Many are finding certain subjects tough and even avoiding some assignments altogether.

Nearly 3 in 5 parents (59%) said they're struggling to help their children with homework, with more women (63%) than men (51%) experiencing this problem. A lack of confidence is a common barrier, with about 1 in 10 not feeling confident and 49% feeling only somewhat confident in their ability to help. Only about a third of parents (32%) felt very confident in their ability to assist.

Many parents (41%) have avoided helping with assignments. The most commonly avoided subjects were Math (81%), Science (20%), and Language Arts (19%).

But here's where it gets interesting: our own school experiences might be influencing how we help our kids today. Parents who struggled with Math when in school now earn an average of $62,200, compared to $73,216 for those who didn't. Overall, 65% of parents admitted to struggling with subjects during school, with Math (71%) leading the way, followed by Science (25%) and Language Arts (17%).

Modern Parenting in the Digital Age

When homework gets tough, parents turn to the internet. From search engines to AI, they're tapping into technology to find answers and explanations.

According to our survey, 84% of parents have turned to Google when faced with tricky homework questions, using the search engine to quickly find answers and explanations. Parents are also exploring newer tools, with 44% having used ChatGPT to assist their children with assignments. The rise of AI has given parents access to fast, detailed responses, often saving time when they are uncertain of their own answers.

Nearly 1 in 10 parents have relied on ChatGPT and YouTube daily to help with homework, while 1 in 8 have used Google for the same purpose just as often. Men (50%) were more likely than women (40%) to use ChatGPT, but women (87%) were more likely than men (80%) to turn to Google for homework answers.

These findings reveal how some parents rely on digital tools to bridge knowledge gaps and support children's learning at home.

Best Intentions, Wrong Answers

Even with all their efforts, helping with homework isn't always smooth sailing. From new teaching methods to managing frustration, parents are facing some real challenges.

More than 1 in 4 parents (27%) said they feel frustrated when trying to help children with homework. For 52% of parents, the biggest hurdle was managing their children's frustration, which could also ramp up their own stress levels. Many parents also found new teaching methods (41%) and difficulties in understanding the subject material (32%) were major roadblocks.

More than half (58%) often second-guessed their own answers, questioning if they were providing the right guidance. And sometimes, they're right to worry: 42% have given their children incorrect information while helping with homework. The pressure to assist, combined with doubt, can make parents feel less confident in supporting their children's learning effectively.

Homework SOS

​​If you're nodding along to these challenges, don't worry – there are ways to boost your confidence and effectiveness when helping with homework:

• Embrace online resources: Use reputable educational websites and tools to brush up on subjects.
• Team up with teachers: Keep the lines of communication open to understand what your child is learning and how it's being taught.
• Explore educational apps: Many are designed to make learning fun and interactive for both kids and parents.
• Consider a refresher course: Look for parent workshops or online courses that cover current teaching methods.

Remember, staying engaged, even when it's tough, can make a world of difference in your child's success. And who knows? You might even learn something new along the way!

Methodology

We surveyed 1,006 parents of K-8 students in September 2024 to explore the challenges they face in assisting their children with homework. Our sample included 64% women and 36% men.

About Prodigy Education

Prodigy Education is a global leader in game-based learning. Our mission is to help every student in the world love learning, motivating millions worldwide via fun, secure, and accessible curriculum-aligned gameplay experiences. At Prodigy Education, we believe maximizing student motivation helps develop a lifetime love of learning. Prodigy's approach to fun, game-based learning means kids no longer have to choose between homework and playtime. Visit www.prodigygame.com to learn more.

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