4 tricks to make homework a breeze

With every new school year comes the challenge of homework. Prevent an argument with a few fresh ways to get through the assignments without a fuss.

Too often, one parent takes on the role of "homework cop," while the other parent tends to stay disengaged. Instead, ask other family members or friends to help.

• By bringing in a new voice or helping style, you may move your child past feeling blocked while reinforcing the fact that all the adults in a child's life share the belief that doing well in school is important.
• For single-parent families, a friend or grandparent can sometimes step in and offer a fun new take on encouragement.

Homework is tough and after a long day at school, it's the last thing a lot of students want to think about.

Some teachers don't focus too much on homework, but if your child's teacher is a strong proponent of homework, your child will feel more supported if you acknowledge the fact that he or she is working very hard.

Students often procrastinate large projects because they feel discouraged by the overall size of the assignment.

• Help your child make a list of each separate step and encourage him or her to only focus on one single element at a time.
• For example, if online research is needed, the first step might be to open each reference source in its own browser window.
• When the big task is transformed into a series of small steps, your student will experience the satisfaction of reaching interim goals and will be motivated to keep going.

Before establishing any homework rules, make sure your child has had an adequate opportunity for exercise and has gotten enough fresh air.

• Additionally, it's important to keep an eye on blood sugar; your child should not be trying to do homework when he or she is hungry.

Overall, the goal with homework is to help the growing student move in the direction of taking personal responsibility for schoolwork.

A cheerful, empathetic viewpoint and a focus on physical well-being is often all that's needed to keep your child headed in the right direction.