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Just like mouldy sandwiches in the bottom of the bag, homework is an inevitable part of your child’s schooling life. Homework reinforces concepts covered in class and keeps the classroom and home connected. However, for many families, homework time instigates an ugly cycle of resistance, frustration, argument and punishment.

Try these tips to help keep your home a combat-free zone:

• make homework a routine. Have a designated area (clutter and distraction free) and designated time. This time does not have to be after school. If your child is a ‘morning person’, is there an opportunity to work on activities before school?;
• have a stash of stationery (lead and coloured pencils, pens, ruler, calculator, compass, protractor) on hand to deal with the unexpected task or the ‘forgotten’ pencil case;
• help your child develop effective work habits. Discuss the homework that has been set and create a prioritised list (try and start with the most difficult or longest task). Encourage the use of a student diary;
• communicate with the teacher. If you are having difficulty interpreting a question, write a small note in the homework book or diary. This will make the teacher aware of any problems and avoid your child experiencing anxiety due to the incomplete task; and
• model effective work habits. When it comes time to pay the bills or catch up on some work, ensure your child sees you following your own advice! If you complete these tasks on your lap in front of the TV, your child will want to do the same.