“Establish a routine for homework, and dedicate a set time for it to get done,” says Resnick. “Check the nightly planner with your child when they come home, and clarify assignment expectations by reading and highlighting instructions.”

Resnick also says that it is important to monitor the amount of time needed for completion of assignments. If you feel that the time is excessive or that your child clearly does not understand the assignments or require total supervision in order to complete them, share your concerns with the classroom teacher. This difficulty could be an indication that your child may need more formalized academic support from the school.

“Although most parents are not formally trained as educators, the homework time spent together can be used to teach a variety of learning strategies,” says Resnick. “For instance, teach prioritization of assignments or how to break a larger assignment into more manageable pieces.”

Parents should also be cognizant of their child’s self-esteem as they work through their homework. “Acknowledge efforts that your child makes to complete an assignment, and not just the result,” says Resnick. “Remind your child that everyone makes mistakes and that nobody is perfect.”