You walk in the door from a long day at work to find your children running around, arguing and fighting, watching television and playing video games.  When asked if they have done their homework, you get the same answer day after day, followed by the same moaning and groaning about getting it done.  There has to be an easier way to get them to do their homework than the constant pulling of teeth between walking in the door and dinner time.

Of course, the solution all parents would like to see is a child that loves to sit down and study.  The child that is so into school they beg for more work.  But this is a fantasy and we all know it.  The earlier on in your child’s life you start to encourage homework, the better off you should be.  Sometime even early encouragement won’t do the trick.

Have your child help you define an area in their room or elsewhere in the house that can be set up as their own private space specifically for them to do their homework.  Make sure they have all the needed supplies and maybe even some fun things, like a small poster they like or a radio if music helps them concentrate.  Tell your children that doing homework is a part of the natural progression of growing up and being an adult.

One thing as a parent that you must keep in mind is that it is not your responsibility to do your child’s homework.  You can help them, but stand firm and allow them to puzzle out the answer on their own.  Talk them through the difficult questions and then praise them for both the work they did to figure out the answer as well as the answer itself.  Sit down ahead of time with your children and determine the best time of evening for doing their homework where you can give them the attention they may need.

Make a deal with your children that you will do your ‘homework’ at the same time they are doing theirs.  Have them sit around the dining room table working as you sit with them doing bills, balancing your checkbook, reading a book, or even writing.  Show them that you take the responsibility of homework seriously and that it can be turned into family time.  Encourage some conversation, as an older child may be able to explain something to a younger child with more ease.

If part of the homework frustration is due to your child not comprehending the work, seek outside help.  Get a tutor to help them.  This will eliminate a great deal of stress and frustration between you and your child as they try to work through a difficult concept.  You do not want to give in to the temptation of telling your child the answer simply to reduce stress.

Keep the lines of communication open with your children.  Come to an agreeable solution that will make the headache of getting them to do their homework go away.  Praise them, occasionally reward them, and watch peace come back into your home and watch your child’s improving self esteem.