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Parenting Tips
Homework: Chore No More

Doing homework can be a daunting task for a lot of students, and with subject matters becoming more advanced even for lower school levels, kids are increasingly feeling the pressure of homework. It is easy for parents to sometimes succumb to allowing their child to face homework on an "as needed" basis. But homework is part of overall good study habits, which must be nurtured whether kids have take home assignments or not.

Like any habit, a healthy and reflexive response to homework takes time to develop. Parents should remain actively involved throughout the process to ensure that their kids understand that this is something that must be done for their own good and that mommy and daddy are there to help them along.

Simple tips to help kids become successful and, more importantly, cheerful students even at home:

1.) LIST ALL HOMEWORK THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE -- Ask your child to jot down all the assignments he has to do and the corresponding deadlines. This will help him have a clear set of priorities. By listing homework into "bite-size" tasks, you avoid overwhelming your child.

2.) SET A REGULAR HOMEWORK TIME -- Let your child play a role in the setting of rules by allowing him to determine the time that would work best for him. This can eliminate some of the homework-related disagreements between parents and children. As soon as you have set the time, ensure that the sticks to it.

3.) HAVE A STUDY AREA -- Your child's workplace should have good light, adequate space, and proper furniture. All the materials that he will need should be within reach, too. The place should solely be used or doing homework. Make sure that the area is free from distractions. Try to strike balance between what he wants and what he needs in a study environment.

4.) SHOW INTEREST -- Take the time to observe your child's behavior while he is doing his work. See if he is enjoying it, having difficulties, or feels bored with his work. As much as possible, get involved by helping your child be focused and organized, but encourage him to do the work himself. A little interest from mom and dad could go a long way to forming good study and homework habits that will serve your child throughhout his academic career.

5.) CHECK HIS HOMEWORK -- Go over your child's homework to see if it was finished properly. This will also help you understand which subjects he likes or finds easy and which ones he has difficulty with.

6.) BE INVOLVED -- If work is too difficult or your child is having trouble concentrating, let the teacher know and discuss ways on how to assist your child. You need to talk to the teacher i your child regularly refuses to do homework or i he doesn't understand the problems.

7.) PRAISE EFFORT AND GOOD WORK -- This will show your child that homework matters, and regular praise will boost your child's ego. If you do find errors, don't criticize. Instead, review his work after he's done and together, try to work on his weaknesses.

8.) SET A GOOD EXAMPLE -- If possible, start and maintain a project of your own. If your child sees you reading a book each night or working on a project, he will feel a partnership with you. Also, it will keep you accessible if he has questions or when you need to monitor his progress.

(Source: Potential 2010 Vol.1 Issue No. 1 KUMON Launch Issue)