You’ve just been dragged into doing your child’s homework. And you’re not alone. Talk to parents anywhere and you’ll find the same situation.

How can you give your child the right kind of help without actually doing the homework yourself? Here are some ideas:

Teach your child to plan. It’s a skill your child will use all through life. At the start of each homework time, sit with your child. Step by step, figure out how he’ll do what he needs to. Even if his book report isn’t due until next Tuesday, talk about what he can do today.

Help your child get organized. Together, fix up a box that will hold all homework supplies. Then make sure everything goes back into the box when studies are done. Encourage him to have a regular place for everything. For example, have him put his backpack in the same place every day.

Give your child a chance to pay attention. Kids can’t study when the TV is blaring. One positive way to help is to create a quiet time when everyone does some work.

Help your child create internal rewards. You don’t need to give your child a prize for studying every day. But you can teach him to take pride in what he’s done. Say things like “Doesn’t it feel good to get all that work finished?”

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