What if one parent refuses to help with summer homework?
Summer should be a time for kids to recharge — but school doesn’t entirely stop. Many children receive homework or reading lists to prepare for the new school year. In co-parenting situations, this can lead to disagreement if one parent sees it as the other’s responsibility.
Keep the child's best interest in focus
Summer homework isn’t busywork. It helps bridge learning gaps and makes the transition to the new school year smoother. If one parent refuses to engage, the child might start the year at a disadvantage.
When one parent says "not my job"
If one co-parent avoids helping, the other often feels stuck with all the work. Talk things through early — ideally before summer break begins. Go over the assignments and agree on a realistic division of tasks. Mediation might help if the conflict escalates.
Be clear, simple, and realistic
Break tasks into manageable chunks and spread them across the weeks. Use a shared calendar or co-parenting app to track progress. A task like “read 15 minutes” sounds less daunting — and more doable — than “read two books.”
Use technology to support the process
Tools like Cofamly make it easier to manage homework planning and keep both parents aligned. Tasks can be scheduled, marked as done, and viewed by both parties. Less friction, more clarity.
Example of a shared summer homework plan
| Day | Responsible parent | Task |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Parent A | 15 minutes reading |
| Wednesday | Parent B | Finish math worksheet |
| Friday | Parent A | Practice oral presentation |
Final thoughts
Homework should never become a battleground. With early planning, clear agreements, and tools like Cofamly, you can turn a challenge into an opportunity to co-parent effectively — and support your child's learning.
Want a more peaceful and organized approach to summer schoolwork? Try Cofamly today: cofamly.app/en
