Studies show that students are more successful in school when their parents show an active interest in their homework. So let’s discuss how to help your student with their homework.

1. Know the teachers— and what they're looking for. Attend school events, such as parent-teacher conferences, to meet your child's teachers.  Ask about their homework policies and how you should be involved.  You can email your student’s teachers or contact the counselors to set up a conference if needed.
2. Set up a homework-friendly area. Make sure kids have a well-lit place to complete homework. Keep supplies — paper, pencils, glue, scissors — within reach. 
3. Schedule a regular study time. Some kids work best in the afternoon, following a snack and play period; others may prefer to wait until after dinner.
4. Help them make a plan. On heavy homework nights or when there's an especially hefty assignment to tackle, encourage your child to break up the work into manageable chunks. Create a work schedule for the night if necessary — and take time for a 15-minute break every hour, if possible.  To help keep their assignments organized, encourage your child to keep up with their planner.  There is usually Math homework every night, so if your child says “I don’t have homework” ask him/her to see their completed assignment.
5. Keep distractions to a minimum.This means no TV, loud music, or phone calls. (Occasionally, though, a phone call to a classmate about an assignment can be helpful.)
6. Make sure kids do their own work. They won't learn if they don't think for themselves and make their own mistakes. Parents can make suggestions and help with directions. But it's a kid's job to do the learning.
7. Be a motivator and monitor. Ask about assignments, quizzes, and tests.  Give encouragement, check completed homework, and make yourself available for questions and concerns.
8. Set a good example. Do your kids ever see you diligently balancing your budget or reading a book?  Kids are more likely to follow their parents' examples than their advice.
9. Praise their work and efforts. Mention academic achievements to relatives.
10. If there are continuing problems with homework, get help. Talk about it with your child's teacher.  Some kids have trouble seeing the board and may need glasses; others might need an evaluation for a learning problem or attention disorder.