These tips can help make homework less of a headache for yourself and your child.

Show you care
Your child needs to know that you think homework is important. If your child knows you care, he or she will be more likely to want to turn in complete assignments on time.

Set a regular time for homework
Setting a “homework hour” helps children finish assignments. Find a time that fits your family. Stick to the time you set for homework as much as possible, depending on your child's other activities. If there isn't enough time to finish homework, your child may need to drop an outside activity.

Pick a place
Your child's homework area doesn't have to be fancy. A desk in your child’s bedroom is nice, but the kitchen table or a corner of the living room works just fine if it has good lighting and is fairly quiet.

No distractions
Turn off the TV and take away the phone. Some children work well with quiet background music. If you live in a small or noisy household, try having all family members take part in a quiet activity during homework time. You may need to take a noisy toddler outside or into another room to play.

Provide supplies
Make sure your child has pencils, pens, paper, and a dictionary, along with other helpful supplies. If you can't provide your child with the needed supplies, check with a teacher or school guidance counselor about ways to get help.

Computers are great learning and homework tools for writing reports and getting information as well as finding out about assignments. Many teachers post information about assignments and class work on their websites. If you don’t have a computer, check with your child’s teacher. Some schools allow children to use the school computers, and many public libraries have computers.

Know when your child needs help
You may want to contact the teacher if:

• The instructions are not clear.
• Your child can’t complete the homework.
• The assignments are too hard or too easy.
• Too much homework is given on some days and too little on others.
• Your child has missed school and needs to make up assignments.

Source: www.ed.gov