1. Show you think education and homework are important. Children are more eager to do homework if they know their parents care that it gets done.
* Set a regular time for homework. The best time is one that works for you and your family.
* Pick a place to study that is fairly quiet and has lots of light. A desk is nice. But the kitchen table or a corner of the living room can work just fine.
* Help your child concentrate by turning off the TV and saying no to social telephone calls during homework time. If you live in a small and noisy household, have all family members take part in a quiet activity during homework time. You may need to take a noisy toddler out to play or into another room.
* Collect papers, books, pencils and other things your child needs.
* Set a good example by reading and writing yourself. Your child learns what things are important by watching what you do. Encourage educational activities.
* Take your child to the library and encourage him to check out materials needed for homework. Talk about school and learning activities.
* Ask what the teacher expects. At the start of school, find out what kinds of assignments will be given and how the teacher wants you involved. Some teachers only want you to make sure the assignment is completed. Others want the parent to go over the homework and point out mistakes.
* Check to see if assignments are started and finished on time.
* Monitor TV viewing and social computer time. In most homes, more homework gets done when TV time is limited. See that things like gymnastics or dancing or basketball don't take too much time. If homework isn't getting done, your child may need to drop an activity.
3. Provide Guidance. The basic rule in helping with homework is, "Don't do the assignment yourself. It's not your homework-it's your child's." Here are some things you can do to give guidance:
*Encourage good study habits. See that your child schedules enough time for assignments and makes his own practice tests at home before a test.
* Talk about assignments and ask questions. This helps your child think through an assignment and break it into small, workable parts.
* Give praise. People of all ages like to be told when they do a good job.
4. Talk with someone at school if problems come up. If homework problems arise, everyone needs to work together to resolve them- the school, teachers, parents and students.
* Call or meet with the teacher.
* Believe that the school and the teacher want to help you and your child. Work together to fix or lessen the homework problem.
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