Homework Hassles

Once the instructions are clear, try to let your child do the work alone. Homework should involve work the student has already learned-it is meant to be reinforcement. Help if needed, but don't do the work for him. Gradually spend less time sitting with him. Get up and go to another room for five minutes. When you return, he should still be working quietly. Increase the time until he is working completely without assistance.

When your student has learned to do his homework alone, he can be given full responsibility for the work. He should select the time and the place for the work. You should look it over to be sure it was done, but it is his responsibility. If he forgets it, don't take it to him. If he forgets to do it, or is too busy, don't do it for him. This is his job. When you do his work for him, you hurt his future, since he will never learn to be responsible for his own life.

Be sure to keep in touch with teachers. Let them know that you want to be notified if a student falls behind in his homework, or is having trouble in school. If this occurs, you may have to back up and begin supervising again.

Remember, homework is training for college and for a career. Don't stand in the way.

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