Parenting Assistance Line - PAL

Your Child's Development

Homework Hassles

Parents want their children to be successful in school, but often the issue of homework gets in the way of that success. With a little creativity, parents can make the homework struggle easier.

Ways that parents can help their children focus on homework:

• Help your child select an appropriate, comfortable place to do homework.
• Keep homework supplies close to the designated homework area. Supplies could include pencils, pens, a ruler, a dictionary, a thesaurus, glue, scissors, etc.
• Minimize distractions in the homework area. For instance, turn off televisions, radios and cell phones. Provide a small snack to prevent hunger.
• Establish a routine. Schedule an allotted time for homework each day. If your child has no homework on a given day, suggest that he read or study during the allotted homework time.
• Make yourself available for assistance, but avoid doing your child's homework for them.
• Record important deadlines on a calendar and check it daily.
• Show an interest in your child's work.
• Reward progress.

Encouraging and supporting your child's ability to complete work on his own is key to minimizing homework struggles.