Parents should stop 'helicoptering’ over their children when it comes to homework, Ciara Kelly has said.

The Newstalk Breakfast host was responding to a survey of 2,000 parents, which found more than one-in-three feel out of their depth helping their children with primary school homework.

Ciara said helicopter parenting does not help children when it comes to homework and education.

Ciara said homework is something the children are supposed to do themselves.

"I never really did my kids homework," she said.

"I was working in a GP surgery, I was probably working 8am to 8pm, so I wasn't there.

"By the time I came home the kids had the homework done and I had a childminder who minded them when I was at work, and she did the homework with them.

"So, I didn't do my kids homework and I actually think that's grand.

"I don't really understand why parents have stepped in to helicopter homework for their kids."

A child doing maths homework on 13-5-15. Image: RooM the Agency / Alamy

Ciara said it actually isn't helping the children.

"I don't think it's a good thing, and what's more I think it is the actual fundamental reason why half the country thinks we shouldn't have homework anymore," she said.

"It's because of the stress of parents doing it.

"If we stood back, let the kids do it, let the teachers correct it, left it to its own devices - the way it had always been since the year dot - we'd all be better off.

"I don't know why parents are helicoptering all over their children's lives when I don't think it's in their children's best interests."

'Sometimes you have to help'

Fellow host Shane Coleman said he's happy to help his children if needs be.

"Sometimes I think you have to help your kids out, and sometimes I'm massively out of my depth," he said.

"Maybe it was better for kids and maybe it was healthier [to not have parents help], but it's not the world we live in now.

"You can't put the genie back in the bottle.

"At times, I have helped with my kids homework... I think sometimes they do need a [bit of] help.

"My parents never, ever helped me - is it a good thing? I'm not sure but that's the world we live in," he added.

Main image: Ciara Kelly presenting Newstalk Breakfast on 8-11-23. Image: Newstalk