5 Tips for Taking the Stress Out of Homework

Ugh, homework! It is the least favorite part of the day for most young students, and it can bring a lot of stress when there's so much else to do. But homework is meant to help support and reinforce what is learned during class. The old saying is true: practice makes perfect.

Homework does not have to be stressful though, and there are some easy steps you can take to help your child have a much easier time with it.

• Set up Space - Creating a good environment is a great place to start when it comes to homework success. A clean, well-lit area that allows children to concentrate on what they are doing can really make a difference.

• Timing is Everything - Your child might not be ready to jump right in to doing more work right after school either. Let him have a snack and some free time to expend his energy if he needs it; that way he'll be focused when it comes time to get to work.

• Develop Skills - Part of doing homework is learning HOW to do homework. This means developing the skills it takes to concentrate and comprehend concepts. As a parent, you can help by indentifying the skills needed to complete an assignment, designating the steps needed to learn those skills, and coaching your child through each step. Your role in doing homework is to be a guide, not an enforcer.

• Focus and Attention - When it comes down to putting pencil to paper, eliminate anything that might be a distraction. This means turning off the TV, unplugging the Internet, and putting away toys and games. Also, it can be helpful not to set a time limit or any expectations of what happens after homework is completed. If dinner or TV time are impending, it might make your child want to rush through, which can end up causing him to lose focus and not retain what he's learning.

• Let Them Lead - It is important that your child, not you, do his homework. Remember that even though the concepts are all things you learned long ago, these are brand new ideas to your child. Do not take over a project if it's not exactly what you want it to be, and don't effortlessly give out answers. Instead, help by asking questions to help your child understand the concept, and they will be more apt to finish it for themselves. Overall, let him work the way he feels he works best- whether it is by jotting down notes or working it out in his head, your child will feel more comfortable doing what works for him. It's also important to avoid hovering, but also staying near by. Try reading a book somewhere in close proximity. That way, you're not only available to answer questions, but it can also help to lead by example. If he sees you are learning, he will want to learn, too.

At Tutor Time, Childtime, and La Petite Academy, we know that homework is very important. AND it does not have to be difficult or stressful. We hope the best for your child's academic success, so we are happy to offer helpful tips, insights and more on our websites. Be sure to pay us a visit online or in person, and contact a school in your area to schedule a tour for you and your child. Happy homeworking!

• Author: Faith Brower, Learning Care Group, Inc., Senior Education Specialist at La Petite Academy, Tutor Time, and Childtime schools.

Read more helpful tips about child development, kindergarten readiness and more here:

• http://www.lapetite.com/parent-resources/blog/
• http://www.tutortime.com/parent-resources/blog/
• http://www.childtime.com/parent-resources/blog/