Ending the Homework Battle

How do you feel about homework? Does it make your palms sweat or your heart best faster? If so, then you most likely have a child between the age of 9 and 12. Ever hear of the game show, "Are you Smart than a Fifth Grader?" After seeing the homework loaded upon their child, many parents wonder if they can say yes to this seemingly simple question.

Many parents have long forgotten how to multiply fractions, much less identify and properly use indefinite pronouns, present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect verb tenses. Many parents are surprised by the accelerated pace of the school curriculum and worry their children might fall behind. They wonder sometimes, if their child does fall behind, are they up to the task of coaching them?

Student academic performance standards have become more rigorous and uniform; schools are struggling to keep up with new education mandates. Many teachers feel the pressure to improve student test scores and test-taking skills; homework has unquestionably increased in both quantity and difficulty. Parents often grow tired of the nightly conflict over unchecked and unfinished homework, they want their children to take responsibility and get homework done and out of the way before bedtime.

End conflicts over homework and enjoy a healthier relationship with your child by following these tips.

1. Post a Homework Checklist for Each Child- A checklist will help your child and you keep track of assignments, tests and upcoming projects. This checklist will inform you of the amount of time needed for homework on any particular day.

2. Eliminate Procrastination - Concentration will weaken as bedtime advances so schedule study time earlier than later in the day. Set aside an earlier than later homework study time.

3. Set Limits - Once study time is set, there should be no television or free time until homework is completed and checked over. Checking for accuracy will discourage them from rushing through homework so they can watch the latest "Hannah Montana" episode or play the Wii.

4. Create Homework Friendly Work Areas- A well-lighted table in a room with minimal distractions has worked well for our family. I keep the table supplied with necessary supplies such as, paper, pencils, rulers and dictionaries so the children can concentrate at least as well as they do at school.

5. Establish Consequences - Study time is for homework. If the child wastes the allotted homework time,

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