When you give your child a choice, and then follow through on that choice, you are not only giving him some control, you are communicating with your actions that you value his opinion. This sense of value has major implications on his sense of confidence and will help increase his motivation. When you value and respect your child (while still maintaining appropriate control), your child will value and respect you?¦that alone will make homework time more peaceful. The great thing is, this mutual respect will make other parts of your family life more enjoyable and can be very good foundation as your child enters the teen years. (It also works if your child is a teen now.)

Additional Causes of Homework Headaches

While fighting for control is the most common reason for homework arguments, some children may be dealing with additional problems: the work may be completely over their head, they may not know how to appropriately deal with frustration, they may not want your attention for homework, they may be disorganized and not know how to manage homework or school materials and supplies, or they may be so busy that they do not have time to focus on homework. Each of these issues must be dealt with accordingly, but make sure that the ?˜control??factor is under control first. Good luck!

© 2006 Susan Kruger, All rights reserved. You are free to use this article in whole or in part in print, on a web site, or in an email newsletter, as long as you include complete attribution, including live web site link. Please also notify me where the material will appear.

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"By Susan Kruger of SOAR Study Skills. Please visit Susan's web site at http://www.soarstudyskills.com/index.htm for additional resources for study skills and homework help."