It can be a challenge to fit homework into busy family schedules. But homework is a fact of life. There are ways parents can help their children make the most of the time they spend on homework.

Here are some ideas:

• Help your child, but don’t do the homework. Don’t answer the questions for your child. Homework is a way to help children learn to be independent. If you do the work, your child won’t learn that lesson.

• Stay in touch with the teacher. Be sure to let the teacher know if your child struggles with homework every day. Ask what you can do to help the teacher help your child.

• Help your child learn to manage time. Set a regular time for homework each day. If that isn’t possible because of busy schedules, block out time for homework. Don’t leave homework as the last thing your child does before bed.

• Help your child decide which homework is going to be hard and which is likely to be easy. Then start with the hard tasks. That way, your child will be more alert when she is doing the toughest jobs.

• Have your child read aloud to you every night. As you are reading together, stop and ask questions.

• Be positive. Your attitude will affect your child.
  

Copyright © Parent Institute