Helping your grandchildren with homework can be a rewarding way to stay involved in their education, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming—especially if you haven’t tackled algebra or grammar rules in a while!
However, no need to worry—You don’t have to be an expert in every subject to make a big difference. With a little guidance and the right approach, you can turn homework sessions into valuable learning experiences.
Here are 10 tried-and-true tutoring tips to help you support your grandkids, boost their confidence, and turn homework time into a fun and engaging experience that makes them look forward to learning!
Smart Study Tips That Will Set You Up for Success
1. Create a Quiet and Comfortable Study Space
Creating a quiet and comfortable study space is one of the most fundamental steps in setting up your grandchildren for educational success. Think of it as their little learning sanctuary where distractions are kept at bay and focus can flourish!
Choose a cozy corner in your home that is away from distractions like the TV, chaos, or noisy areas. A well-lit table or desk with a comfy chair can make all the difference. Ensure they have all the supplies they need—pencils, paper, books, and any other materials—within reach, so they don’t have to keep getting up and losing focus. Adding a few personal touches, like their favourite posters or a small plant, can make the space feel more inviting and inspiring.
When children feel comfortable and settled in their study area, they’ll be better equipped to concentrate and much more likely to tackle their assignments with composure, confidence, and enthusiasm.
2. Adapt to Their Learning Style
Every child has their own unique way of learning, and adapting to your grandchild's learning style can make all the difference in how effectively they grasp new concepts.
In fact, there are three types of learners—visual learners, auditory learners, and kinesthetic learners.
Visual learners benefit from charts, diagrams, and colourful illustrations, while auditory learners absorb information better through discussion or listening to explanations. Finally, kinesthetic learners thrive on hands-on activities and need to physically engage with the material to understand it fully.
Take a little time to observe how your grandchild learns best—Do they remember things better when they can see them, hear them, or physically interact with them?
Once you identify their preferred style, you can tailor your tutoring approach accordingly, making lessons more engaging and effective.
This personalized touch not only helps them learn better but also shows them that you value their unique way of thinking!
Not sure what your grandchildren's learning styles are? Click here for a quiz that they can take to determine how they learn best.
3. Break Down Big Tasks
Big homework tasks can easily feel overwhelming to kids, but breaking them down into smaller, bite-sized steps can make a huge difference.
Instead of letting your grandchild feel lost in a mountain of work, sit down together and help them map out a plan.
For example, if they’re working on a big project or writing a report, you can break it up by tackling one section at a time—Maybe spend one day gathering research, another day drafting an outline, and then focus on writing one part at a time.
Not only does this make the task feel more manageable, but it also gives them a sense of progress as they check off each step.
By helping them approach larger assignments in small, organized chunks, you’ll reduce their stress and teach them valuable skills that will help them throughout their academic journey.
4. Encourage Independence, But Be Available for Support
It’s important to let your grandchildren take the lead on their homework, encouraging them to work through problems on their own. This helps build independence and strengthens their critical thinking skills.
However, it’s equally important that they know you’re there if they get stuck. A gentle balance between stepping back and being supportive allows them to try solving things themselves while knowing they can ask for help when they need it.
First, let them take the first crack at assignments while you offer gentle support from the sidelines. When they do need assistance, step in to guide them through the tricky spots without taking over.
This balance helps them feel empowered and supported, fostering a sense of accomplishment as they tackle tasks on their own terms.
5. Ask Questions Instead of Giving Answers
When your grandchild is struggling with homework, it's tempting to step in and give them the solution, but guiding them to think through the problem themselves is much more rewarding in the long run.
Rather than providing the answers, encourage them to work through the challenge, offering hints or suggestions that nudge them in the right direction.
This approach not only helps them build problem-solving skills but also deepens their understanding of the material. As they start to connect the dots on their own, they’ll gain confidence in their ability to tackle tough assignments on their own.
Plus, the sense of pride they’ll feel when they figure it out on their own is priceless!
6. Learn Together by Utilizing Technology and Online Resources
Let’s face it, sometimes the homework your grandkids bring home can feel a little unfamiliar. After all, school curriculums have changed a lot!
But don’t worry—You don’t need to remember everything from your own school days to be a great help. This is where technology and online resources come to the rescue.
If a math problem or science concept leaves you both scratching your heads, turn to educational apps or websites like Khan Academy, which offer step-by-step explanations and videos.
Learning together not only helps you refresh your knowledge but also shows your grandchild that it's okay not to have all the answers right away—what matters is being willing to learn and explore new information.
Plus, it can be a fun way to bond, discovering and mastering new concepts side by side!
7. Keep Study Sessions Short
When it comes to homework, less can sometimes be more—especially for kids who might struggle to focus for long periods. Keeping study sessions short and sweet helps prevent burnout and keeps their attention fresh.
Try breaking up their homework into smaller chunks with quick breaks in between. A 20- or 30-minute session followed by a few minutes to stretch, grab a snack, or play can make all the difference in how productive they are.
Shorter sessions also make it easier for your grandchild to stay engaged and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the workload.
They’ll also appreciate the little breaks to recharge before diving back in! It’s all about finding a rhythm that works for them without making study time feel like a marathon.
8. Stay Positive and Patient
Staying positive and patient during homework sessions is key to helping your grandchild feel comfortable and motivated, creating a safe and nurturing learning space.
Homework can sometimes feel daunting, and it’s not uncommon for kids to get frustrated when they encounter tricky problems. However, by maintaining a calm and encouraging attitude, you can create an environment that fosters resilience and determination.
When they hit a roadblock, remind them that it’s okay to take a deep breath and step back for a moment if they need to. Offer encouragement and remind them that learning is a journey filled with ups and downs.
Your patience will help them understand that struggling with a concept is a normal part of the learning process and that challenges are just stepping stones to understanding. Most importantly, your warm smile and unwavering support will empower them to push through challenges with confidence.
By showing them that it's okay to make mistakes and that you're there for them, you’ll help build their self-esteem and love for learning!
9. Celebrate Small Wins
Celebrating small wins during homework sessions can be a great source of motivation and inspiration for your grandchild.
Every time they tackle a tricky math problem or finally understand a science concept, take a moment to acknowledge their hard work. Whether it’s a high-five, a little dance, or even a simple “I’m so proud of you!”, these moments of recognition can spark their enthusiasm, evoke a sense of pride, and motivate them to keep going.
It’s important for them to see that progress, no matter how small, is a big deal and that every step forward is worth celebrating.
By creating an atmosphere filled with encouragement and positivity, you’ll inspire them to embrace challenges with confidence, knowing that each little victory brings them closer to their goals.
10. Model a Love for Learning
Modelling a love for learning is one of the most impactful things you can do while helping your grandchildren with their homework.
When they see you excited about discovering new things—whether it’s reading a book, trying out a new recipe, doing a DIY project, exploring a topic online, or even tackling a puzzle—they’re more likely to develop that same enthusiasm.
Share your own learning experiences and the joy that comes from discovering something new. You might even take the opportunity to learn together such as conducting a fun science experiment or diving into a history topic that interests both of you.
Most importantly, let them know that learning doesn’t stop when school is out—It’s a lifelong journey filled with curiosity and discovery.
Your passion for learning can inspire them to embrace challenges with open arms and see education as an exciting adventure rather than just an obligation. By nurturing this mindset, you’re equipping them with the tools to become lifelong learners themselves!