Not long ago, I was babysitting my niece and offered my help with some of her fifth grade math. It had been so long since I had tackled a word problem and I thought it would be fun to freshen up on my long division. Unfortunately, the microscopic, pea-size space in my brain reserved for retaining such nonsense as the difference between an isosceles and an obtuse triangle could not be activated. I had simply shut down that section knowing full well I would have no future use for basic geometry.

Still, she was frustrated and looking a little desperate. So I encouraged her to switch subjects and I read aloud her history chapter (it’s nice to know that that section of my brain can be stimulated by something other than Danielle Steele).

Let’s face it, homework is a hassle for both parents and children. Although it helps with developing independent learning and can serve as a link between school and home, it is, for many households, a condition of war. Homework is rarely fun – even with attempts by curriculum writers to use clever disguises such as “Fishy Fractions” or “Gorilla Grammar”. However, I have listed a few strategies to make homework more manageable and your household a little less stressful.

1. Create a Study Station

   Identify an area in your home specifically for homework. This does not mean isolate your child to some corner away from civilization. Instead, select an area that is quiet, but not completely isolated from you. Just like grown-ups, kids need encouragement and feedback but limited distractions (don’t let them convince you that they work better when the T.V. is on!).

2. Interaction and Subtraction – A great combination!

   Keep in mind that limiting distractions can be, well, too limiting and can perpetuate the ever so boring and repetitive nature of spelling words and other uninteresting homework tasks. Consider playing charades with vocabulary words or make-up songs to memorize history dates. Another option is to reverse roles and have your child play the teacher and you the student. Who knows, you may actually learn something in the process!

3. Fun Tickets

   I love this idea (and I wish it were mine)! However, one of my clever mom-friends established a routine that every 15 or 20 minutes, her child could submit a “fun ticket” that included a five minute physical activity such as jumping jacks, running in the back yard, or skip rope. Somehow she was able to incorporate exercise and homework in the same hour – pretty impressive! If she were able to squeeze in eating carrots, this mom could win an award.

   As much as you want your child to be successful, it is important to remember that the world will not end if your child can’t remember who was the 23rd President of the United States (in case you are wondering, it was Benjamin Harrison – don’t be impressed, I had to look it up). Reassure your child that homework does not have to be perfect every time and encourage her to learn from her mistakes – an important lesson for children as well as for “not-so-perfect parents”.