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Helping a child with homework can be stressful for both the child and the parent. As children get older, the issue becomes more and more stressful. With so much emphasis being placed on testing, it seems that children get more homework and that homework starts much sooner.

In order to help everyone get through the school year, follow these simple tips to make homework a less stressful event each day.

Area: Have a designated area for each child to complete his or her homework. It can be a desk in a bedroom or as simple as the kitchen table. Try to pick an area that will have fewer distractions. This will allow your student to complete assignments quicker and more accurately.

Supplies: Make sure basic supplies are available where homework is completed. Provide pens or several sharpened pencils, a calculator, ruler, crayons and markers. Projects may require more supplies. Read instructions beforehand so you know what your child will need and having it on hand will prevent last minute trips to the store.

Getting Started: Not every child will do well if he or she is forced to start homework right away. Imagine spending time at work then having to come home and focus on it even longer. Everyone needs a break, even children. Set a time that homework has to start, for example a half hour before dinner, and allow a kid to just be a kid before that time.

Distractions: Turn off the cell phone, the TV, and all of the electronic devices we are bombarded with each day. Designating the time as a time for homework only sets clear boundaries and expectations.

Help: Few things are harder for a parent than watching a child struggle with homework that is difficult. It seems so much easier to just give them the answers. Before you do, think about what you are teaching your child. Instead of giving them the answer, teach them where to find help with their homework.

There are many websites today that are dedicated to providing simple explanations to many of the ideas that children are instructed in today. Have your child refer to their notes, if they have any. Phone a friend and ask for assistance. If nothing is available, have your child try the problem anyway. A teacher would rather see a wrong answer rather than no answer at all.

Above all, don't give them the answer. If you feel you must help, guide them to the correct answer, but don't just tell them. It will lead to more problems, as eventually your child will want help and answers to every single question he or she gets for homework.

Breaks: If the homework is taking a long time, make sure your child takes breaks. Get up, run around, or get a snack if it is getting late. Doing so will give he or she time to recharge and allow their brain to relax so it has more energy to focus when starting again.

Following these simple tips will make homework a less stressful time in your household.

Learn more about this author, Cathy Pearl.
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