Homework Help!

School is back in session. That means early morning risers, catching the bus, packing lunches, and who can forget...homework!
Homework was a part of the learning process when we were kids and it certainly still is today. Especially with younger children, we play a large part in holding them accountable for getting their homework done...and done correctly.
If you are looking to start this school year off on a good note, check out some homework help tips that will be sure to make you and your children's evenings go a little more smoothly.

• Quiet please! Provide your child with a quiet place to do their homework. Avoid allowing them to do their homework in front of the TV or in a place where people will be coming and going too often.
• Time management 101. Help your children develop time management skills by setting aside specific "homework time." For special projects that will be more time-consuming, try to carve out some weekend time.
• Set an example. Try to maintain a positive attitude about homework and express to your children why it is important. This is also reflective of why school, in general, is important - and the attitude you have is likely to be adopted by your child.
• Give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day... When your child asks for help with their homework, avoid giving exact answers - try guiding them toward the correct answer. Otherwise, they may adopt the attitude that when things get tough, someone else will do the work for them.
• Have a plan! Help your child determine what is "hard" homework and what is "easy." If they do the hard stuff first, they'll be more alert and the easy stuff will, by comparison, seem much less daunting.
• Break time! If your child seems as though they are getting frustrated with their work, tell them to take a break and relax. Working while frustrated is counter-productive...much like it is for adults.
• Party time! If your child has been making their homework a priority and really trying hard, reward them with some sort of special treat or event (i.e. ice cream, pizza party, going to the playground, etc.).

Follow these tips and make this year a successful learning year at school and at home!
Source: "Homework Tips for Parents." U.S. Department of Education.
Posted In: Motherhood, Pregnancy & Motherhood : 10/13/2011 TIP: For more information you can also visit Shannon Miller Lifestyle and look under the "Parenting" section or simply do a search for 'Homework +Help +parenting' in your favorite search engine.