Parenting Help - Homework Tips for Parents

If you are a parent, then you probably have had some level of frustration in the area of helping your child with their homework. I think the biggest reasons homework is so challenging is because home work is usually completed during a very hectic time of the day, the afternoon. And all parties (kids and parents) are tired, especially if it's been a long day.

I know, I've been there. I am the parent of 3 teenagers. And over the years we had many different challenges with homework. We learned the hard way that at different times all kids struggle with homework. Weather it is that they are simply not doing it, or frustrated because they don't understand the work or simply can't concentrate. The homework challenge can be very frustrating for parents.

We have had it all. And through trial and error, we were able to find some of the best routines that worked for us to make homework time fun and easy.

• The most important thing to do is to have open communication with the teacher. Some teachers e-mail parents homework so parents know what the child was assigned. I found the best way though is for the child to have a "homework journal". They write down their homework assignment before they leave school. When homework is completed, the parent initials it. The teacher checks the student journals daily to make sure their parents are aware. It really just makes sure everyone (parent, child and teacher) are all on the same page.

• Let your child have a break in between arriving home from school and homework time. So if they get home at 3:00, Don't have them start homework until 4:00. Kids, like adults need a chance to unwind and clear their head.

• Make it a routine. I have found that consistency works best. So be sure that homework is done the same time every day. This will help your child to get used to doing it daily.

• Make a homework area in your home where there are no distractions (no tv or people to distract your child). When there isn't any distractions, homework gets done quicker and with less errors.

• Make sure the homework area is well lit and has lots of school supplies nearby. In our home, we had a homework box that contained pens, paper, markers, crayons, scissors and extra paper.

• Give younger children your full attention. For older children, be nearby and available to them if they need help.

• Be involved...from a distance. Help your child if they need you, but don't do their homework for them or give them the answers. Instead, show them how to find the answers.

• Check your child's homework and give them feedback. Answer any questions they may have.