Homework creates a link between school and home, teaches children responsibility, and adds learning time to the day. But when both you and your child are in tears at midnight building a dinosour model, feeling positive about homework can be hard. That doesn't mean, thoygh , that the words "Time for your homework," have to be a call to battle. Here are five secrets for getting homewok done - without tears. Try to be Flexible A well-lit, fully supplied desk in your child's room seems ideal, but your child may not agree. Lots of kids prefer doing homework near a parent. Some kids even work best sprawled on a floor or at the dining table. So, don't assume that what you call distractions are necessarily roadblocks to homework's progress. Some children actually concentrate better with soft background music. Set a schedule Some kids like to get their homework out of the wayimmediately. Others needa break first. Establish the schedule in your house after discussing it with your child. Expect no more than one hour a day of homework for kids in first through third grade. Kids in grade four to six generally should do about one hour to two of work a day. In the higher classes , homework will vary according to the subject and your child's study skills. Get the Inside story All teachers have definite expectations about homework. Be sure you know what your child's teacher has in mind. Stay on the sidelines Parents walk a fine line when it comes to homework. For kids in the earlier grades you should be around to explain and praise. If your child doesn't understand the work, step in to help and solve a few problems with him/her. But don't let yourself become overly involved in your child's work and keep in mind that it is his homework. Sometimes homework tensions can get out of hand between you and your child. If that happened, talk to the teacher, take his or her advice. Lighten Up Children by nature , enjoy learning and exploring . However , when homework takes on negative emotional overtones, learning gets pushed aside. To prevent that from happening in your home, discuss homework in a positive light. Take deep breath if you need it, and smother that impulse to preach. Bring in some humour . Try to remember your homework struggles - and let your child know that you understand.
