With school underway, chances are your child has been assigned homework. You can’t avoid it and wish it away, even though some days you may want to! Homework is a part of your child’s overall education. It has a purpose and is more than a tedious task to be done. Homework helps to reinforce what your child learns in the classroom and promotes responsibility and discipline. 

For some students, homework is completed with little struggle and may even be a joyful experience. For others however, it can be an overwhelming, hair pulling, and tearful event, leaving both child and parent exhausted and frustrated. What can you do if you find yourself in this circumstance? No, don’t throw your hands up in the air and give up! There are five simple tips you can implement at home to help make homework a positive experience.

1. Have a designated, well lit place for homework.
2. Make sure all the needed supplies are available such as, pencils, calculator, and a dictionary.
3. Eliminate distractions. Turn off the T.V., and make the house as quiet as possible.
4. Be consistent. Determine the best time for your child to do homework and stick to it.
5. Be available. If your child has questions, help guide him/her to find the answer.

If you find yourself needing further assistance, there are many resources available that can help. The U.S. Department of Education has published a brochure, that can be accessed on- line, guiding parents on how they can help their child with homework. If you need to help your child at home, there is an excellent resource for that as well. WebMD’s Fit page lists tips for helping children and teens with homework and study habits. The site Refdesk.com is a reference desk that can help answer questions for most subjects. This site also lists more resources for homework help.

With a few simple changes and a little research, homework can become a success for both you and your child.