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Being a parent can be challenging - especially when you're expected to have all the answers. If however, you can help guide your youngster into good studying habits, then you can start to trust that they're finding their own solutions and will be on their way to discovering their independence.

After teaming up with an educational psychologist, parenting influencer and funny man LV General has some top tips at his fingertips to help you help them on their way.

LV General's tips

• Their homework is their responsibility

At secondary school the focus is on more independent learning and a parent trying to give detailed advice on a homework topic can be a hindrance rather than a help at times. As much as you might want to help them to do well, in the end they are responsible for completing their homework. Instead talk to them about their homework, what they feel confident about and what they are less sure of studying. You can ask what you can help with and how you can help them to help themselves.

• Independent learning doesn’t mean learning alone

It's independent learning, but that doesn't mean they have to be isolated with just a text book for company. It’s about thinking about HOW they are learning, looking at different ways to do it with an independent mindset.

They can study in a group with friends, they could stay at school to do this where possible - or they can do group study online. Maybe they and a friend can go to a library to study somewhere quiet away from home. Or they can ask you or other family members questions. This article from Bitesize has tips for study and revision away from their desk.

• Don’t leap in and tell them the answer

If you know it - it's really tempting to just say the answer - but it won't help them understand the process of how to get there. So try to help your child identify what’s actually being asked and what they need to find out. Try to coach them through the question. Break it down if you need to - what’s the bit that’s making them want to cry, and what’s the bit that’s REALLY making them want to cry? And if you don't know the answer yourself - then you're both learning something new!

• Choose the best tools and use them wisely

Get your child to choose the best resources for the task. Sometimes that might be the internet, sometimes that could be books. It’s about them thinking about the different things they have access to that can help them - from asking a teacher for advice to using the school library. Also it's good to make sure you help your child understands the importance of cross referencing their sources - which means checking their facts in more than one reliable place - for instance a textbook or reputable website. This Bitesize article has more information on using reliable sources

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