How to Handle Homework at Home When You're a Single Parent

You Are Not Failing—You're Just Doing Everything

If you’re a single parent trying to stay afloat while navigating homework time with your child—it’s okay to admit this feels hard. Because it is. You're managing the grocery runs, the emotional meltdowns, the bills, the commutes, and somewhere in between, you’re supposed to decipher a math worksheet that looks nothing like the way you learned it thirty years ago. You’re not alone in this struggle. And no, you’re not doing it wrong.

Homework Battles and Bedtime Fatigue

Imagine this: it's already 7:45 PM. Dinner dishes haven't been put away, your phone won't stop buzzing from work emails, and your child plops down with a heavy backpack and says, "I forgot I have to do this science packet, and it's due tomorrow." Sound familiar?

That scene isn’t a sign that you’re not good enough. It’s a sign that the system often asks too much of parents, particularly when they’re doing it solo. One important shift is to stop thinking about homework as something that needs to be done perfectly each night—and instead, focus on supporting learning in ways that are sustainable for both of you.

That might mean sometimes doing homework in the morning instead of at night. Or reading science facts over breakfast. It might look different each week—and that’s okay. Flexibility is your friend here, not your enemy.

Creating a Repeatable Routine (Even If Your Schedule Isn’t)

Children thrive on predictability, but that doesn’t mean everything has to happen at 5:00 PM sharp. Instead of rigid time slots, try creating a sequence that becomes familiar:

• Snack and movement break right after school
• 15–20 minutes of homework (even broken into chunks if needed)
• Storytime, music, or creative wind-down afterward

Some families even turn the homework routine into a collaborative system. For example, one single dad I interviewed keeps a chalkboard by the kitchen where he and his son list out that day’s assignments—then put a check mark when it’s done. That simple act of physically checking something off becomes a moment of connection and control for both of them.

If you're looking for more structure ideas, this guide on real-life strategies for single parents is a helpful next read.

When You're Not an Expert (But Still the Hero)

Let’s be honest—school curricula today can leave even the most motivated parents scratching their heads. If phonics or long division make you nervous, it’s okay to say: "Let’s learn this together." Children gain so much when they see their parents model curiosity and vulnerability.

But if you’re wiped out and can’t spend 30 minutes learning the steps of a math problem, you don’t have to. Leaning on resources that adapt to your child’s learning style can give you room to breathe—and still ensure they’re getting the reinforcement they need.

That’s where tools like the Skuli app quietly step in. If your child struggles to focus through textbook reading, you can turn a photo of their notes into a personalized quiz for a review session that feels more like a game than more work. Or better yet, convert those lessons into an audio adventure where your child becomes the main character—a perfect match for bedtime, car rides, or solo time.

Using Moments You Already Have

As a single parent, time is a precious currency. But learning doesn’t have to be limited to a desk or dining table. Use the time you already have:

• On your walk to the bus stop, ask your child to retell what they learned that day
• Listen to audio versions of lessons on your drive to the grocery store
• Let them teach you what they understand—this builds confidence, which is just as important as correctness

If you want more ideas for squeezing in learning without overextending yourself, these activities for busy single parents are a great place to start.

The Power of Letting Go (Without Giving Up)

Remember this: not every homework assignment will be perfect. Not every night will end without tears. And that doesn’t mean your child is doomed, or that you're falling short.

In fact, sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is step back. Encourage your child to take ownership. Help them see homework not as a mountain to climb, but a series of small steps they’re capable of taking. You don’t have to lead every one of those steps. You can equip them to walk some on their own.

Check out these insights on fostering independent learning for more perspectives on how to build confidence when you're not always available.

You're Not Alone—And You're Already Doing More Than Enough

Being the only adult doesn’t mean you have to do it all by yourself.

Whether your support system includes family, school staff, after-school programs, or tech helpers like Skuli, the truth remains: showing your child love, patience, and presence—even imperfectly—is often what helps them most.

And if you need more guidance, this article on supporting your child's learning as a single parent dives deeper into building sustainable habits.

So, tonight, if you’re staring down the spelling list while microwaving leftovers and wondering if you’re doing okay—the answer is yes. You’re showing up. And that, truly, is everything.