It seems that in today's day and age we expect so much from our children in school, in sports and at home. It also seems like our children's teachers are expecting a lot from our children both in the classroom and at home. The load of homework coming home with our children seems to be growing at incredible rates with each passing school year.

So, what is a normal homework load and what can us as parents do to help our children be successful in the completion of their homework?

First we need to determine the purpose behind assigning homework. I have found www.kidsource.com and www.nea.org to be 2 good sources for information and tips for parents on homework and school issues. They state that homework serves 4 purposes.

1. Reinforce - when children learn new skills it is important that they are practiced so as to help solidify the skill in its first stages.

2. Review and Practice - once children have worked on reinforcing new skills they will then work to master those skills.

3. Working Independently - when children are in the classroom they have the attention of the teacher as they work on assignments. At home parents can monitor their child's progress but also give them the opportunity to work through things on their own.

4. Includes Parents in the Learning Process - parents are encouraged to be an active participant in their child's schooling and learning and participating in homework activities help to attain that goal.

So, now that we know some of the reasons why teachers assign homework and what purpose it serves but how much homework is enough and age appropriate for our children? Different educational resources will list variations on homework time recommendations. This list is the NEA recommendations.

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade - should not exceed 10 - 20 minutes each school day.

3rd Grade - 6th Grade - can handle 30 - 60 minutes a day.

Junior & Senior High School - the amount will vary by subject.

If you do the math on these recommendations you will come to the conclusion that about 10 minutes per grade per night would be a good standard to work from.

Make sure that you ask the principal at your child's school or the superintendent of your school system if there is a School Homework Policy in place. If you have concerns about the amount of homework your child is receiving you should speak with your child's teacher first and if your concerns are not resolved then speak with higher ranking school officials.

If you need more information about homework guidelines you can contact the National Education Association at (202) 822-7214 or The National PTA at (312) 787-0977.

What kind of things can we do with our children to make completing homework successfully an everyday occurrence rather than a hit-and-miss situation? Here is a quick 5 things that you can refer to. Add to this list as you get to know your child's school work, their strengths and weaknesses and their study habits.

1. Create a homework area for your child. This does not need to be in a separate room away from everyone but it does need to be in an area conducive to your child's needs and not allow them to be distracted while working.

2. Determine and commit to a set schedule for your child. Each day may be different due to sports or other extracurricular activities. Set a start time and an end time and stick to it each day.

3. Prior to beginning the days homework separate the tasks into a) what can be done without help and b) what needs to be done with the help of a parent. Things like spelling lists will need your help but a sheet of math problems may not. Please note that there will NOT be any tasks that will be c) what tasks my parents should complete.

4. Allow your child the opportunity to work independently but not alone. Be available to help your child if he becomes "stuck" but do not be in the room being a distraction. Be available to check that homework is completed but do not worry about making corrections. That is that job of your child's teacher.

5. Praise your child for their hard work and for being diligent in completing their assignments. Make a point of displaying their work on the fridge or on a special bulletin board. You can also start a school folder where you will put their best assignments. At the end of the year look through them all to see how much they have accomplished and how much more advanced their work is now.

Most children do not LOVE doing homework but it does not have to be a terrible experience. It gives you as a parent the opportunity to be actively involved in an arena that normally is reserved just for school teachers. If you are at all concerned with the homework, your child's understanding of the homework and the success that they are having in completing the assigned work contact your child's teacher. Parents and teachers are really a team pursuing the same winning result….a child who is learning!!

In my quest for information on homework policies I found the following…

Students should not spend more than 90 minutes per night on homework. This time should be budgeted in the following manner:

- 5 minutes looking for the assignment
- 11 minutes calling a friend for the assignment
- 23 minutes explaining how the teacher is mean and just doesn't like kids
- 8 minutes in the bathroom
- 10 minutes getting a snack
- 7 minutes checking the TV Guide
- 6 minutes telling parents that the teacher never even explained the assignment
- 10 minutes sitting at the kitchen table waiting for Mom or Dad to do the assignment

-Enjoy the homework time with your kids!!