Help your child help himself with homework

For many parents, a difficult parenting lesson is deciding how much to help their children with their homework. While children need to learn things on their own, no parent wants to see their child struggle in school. That can make for a difficult dilemma for many parents, one that many of the nation's educators recognize and understand.

The National Education Association points out that helping your child too much can prove harmful, as a teacher needs to know where your son or daughter could possibly be faltering in the hopes of rectifying the situation.

Perhaps the most helpful thing a parent can do, according to the NEA, is to place a strong emphasis on homework, asking to see your child's work after they have finished and letting them know how important homework is. The NEA also offers these tips for parents.

-- Make sure your child is wellrested and fed and attends school each day. It's important that your child knows how beneficial school is, so letting your son or daughter skip school on a regular basis is never a good idea. Also, your child is more likely to do his best if he's gotten the right amount of sleep and he's eaten well.

-- Get specific. Make asking about school and how your child's day was part of your daily routine. Ask the specifics and let your child give his opinion.

-- Set up a study area in your home, if possible. This area should be quiet, well-lit and stocked with all the supplies your child might need. It's best if this area is used solely for studying, so your child will know that the area is not for play or just hanging around. For those who might feel their quarters are a bit cramped, it's important to note this doesn't have to be a separate room, just an area where your child can study in peace and quiet.

-- Establish a family quiet time. Having a daily quiet time in your home will let your child know that homework is important and that you expect them to be doing some every day.

-- Know everyone learns in different ways. Not every child learns in the same way. Let your child learn in the way he or she is most comfortable, as kids are far more likely do well that way.