“I Can’t Do This Anymore”: A Supportive Note to Parents Frustrated by Homework. You Are Not Alone
If you’re here because homework is a daily battle, you’re not alone. I am a parent to a neurodivergent child. As a lifelong educator, I was not able to help my son because “I’m mom”. Sometimes you need some tools and tricks, and sometimes you need outside help.
You’ve tried rewards, timers, new pencils, deep breaths. You’ve tried sitting beside them, walking away, talking to the teacher, staying up late… and still, the math page ends in tears (maybe yours too).
Let’s just pause and say this clearly:
You’re not a bad parent.
Your child isn’t lazy.
You’re both tired and trying your best.
Why Homework Can Be So Hard for 2e and Neurodiverse Kids
All students learn differently. That means even if your child is brilliant in some areas, they might:
Struggle to get started (executive function challenges)
Feel anxious or frozen by perfectionism
Get distracted and overwhelmed by multi-step directions
Resist because school already drained all their energy
By the time homework starts, their brain is often in survival mode, not learning mode.
And For Parents? It’s Exhausting.
Maybe you’ve been told:
“Just be consistent.”
“They need to try harder.”
“It shouldn’t take this long.”
But those tips weren’t made for your child or your reality.
It’s not about lack of discipline. It’s about fit. And most homework systems just don’t work
So… What Can You Do?
Let’s talk about support, not shortcuts. Here are a few strategies that help reduce the stress—for both of you:
1. Set a “Reset” Before Homework Begins
Don’t jump straight from school to worksheets. Give your child 30–45 minutes of downtime first. Movement, a snack, drawing—anything that helps them recalibrate.
2. Break It Down. Way Down!
If a page feels overwhelming, break it into smaller parts. Say:
“Let’s just do the first two problems together,” or
“I’ll write, you talk me through the answer.”
This helps bypass the “all-or-nothing” shutdown response.
3. Use a Timer-with Freedom, Not Pressure
Try a “focus sprint”:
Set a timer for 10–15 minutes. Focus together. Then take a 5-minute break. It’s not about racing, it’s about making it manageable.
4. Validate First, Then Guide
Instead of jumping into “Let’s just get it done,” try:
“I can see this feels hard.”
“Want to tell me what part’s bugging you?”
“I’m here with you. We’ll figure it out together.”
Empathy defuses resistance more than lectures ever will.
5. Know When to Press Pause
Some nights, the most productive thing you can do is stop.
Write a quick note to the teacher: “We attempted this but stopped to preserve everyone’s sanity.”
Your child’s emotional safety is worth more than any worksheet.
Final Thought: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
If you’re exhausted, frustrated, or second-guessing yourself—you’re not failing. You’re parenting a complex, remarkable child in a system that wasn’t built for them.
At Limehouse Tutoring, we specialize in supporting families like yours. Our tutors don’t just help with homework, we help kids rebuild confidence, manage executive function, and learn in ways that actually make sense to them.
Need Support? Let’s Talk.
We offer in-home tutoring across all five NYC boroughs and remote sessions for flexibility and consistency.
