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Plus by allowing your children to make the choice, you are giving them a sense of ownership and control, which all children want to feel. However, when your children say I don't know what to choose, then step in. Politely, but firmly remind your children that if they cannot make a choice, you will make it for them and they'll have to complete the assignment that you chose. Also give your children a time limit to make their choices. Allow them one minute to make a choice. After a minute has passed, either your children will have chosen, or you will. Now, this is a prime argument time. However, remain calm. Calmly remind your children of the rules and consequences. Keep calmly reminding them until they comply.

Tip 4: Five minute fun time and timers. Set the kitchen timer for thirty minutes of study time. You as the parents can either check up on your children's progress, or for the little kids you will have to sit with them. Once the timer beeps, allow your children a five minute brain break. Give those five minutes to get a drink, stretch their legs, or just veg out. Once the brain break is over, set the timer for another thirty minutes.

Tip 5: Duty calls. A parent's duty during homework time is to help your children when they get stuck on a problem or difficult word. You must be available whenever duty calls to help your children succeed on their homework. But what if you don't know the answer? Hopefully you have access to your children's teacher through email or voice mail. If you're stuck on a problem, circle it and leave the teacher a message about the problem. Or you can even write a note next to the problem. As a teacher, I have had kids and parents call me at home because they were stuck. Teachers are happy to help your children when they're stuck on a problem. So, drop them a line if you get stuck.

Tip 6: Review. Before the homework goes into the backpack abyss, look it over. Check the work with your children. Praise them for their effort. Then dole out the rewards earned. Put that sticker on the sticker chart; add up that extra game time.

Homework shouldn't be a battle. I am not saying that all battles will be alleviated. But instead of fighting battles, you may have to fight a skirmish now and then. If you find yourself swallowed into the homework nightmare, I challenge you to try these tips. All it takes is consistency, routine, and time. I can safely say that with these tips, gone is the two headed monster and my mild manner child is back. She still isn't the sugary sweet picture of happy obedience, but at least I get a hug at the end of homework time.

Learn more about this author, CL Nelson.
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