Parent to Parent: Homework Help

WSVN -- Homework can be a hair-raising experience for both you and your child. Just ask mom Kelley Carrillo and her 8-year-old daughter Victoria.

Kelley Carrillo: "My biggest challenge Lynn is my time. I know, whether you're a working mom or a stay-at-home mom, we all have the same issues, there's not enough time."

And that time-crunch can lead to a lot of frustration with parents losing their cool.

Victoria Carrillo: "He was telling me how to get the answer, but I still didn't get it, so then he started yelling at me."

Lynn: "And how did you feel?"

Victoria Carrillo: "Like, sad."

The number one question from parents: "Is all this homework really necessary?"

Shirley Moskowitz: "It's been proven to be successful with increasing their responsibility, giving them time to reflect on what they learned in class and increasing their content knowledge."

OK, so kids need homework to stay competitive, but, as parents, what is our role?

Dr. Valerie Goode: "Your job as a parent is to sit there, and give your child a routine to study."

Seven's parenting expert Dr. Valerie Goode says set a specific time every day for homework. Monitor your child's progress to make sure they're on task, but, teachers warn, don't do it for them.

Shirley Moskowitz: "We can help them brainstorm solutions, absolutely, we can be there for a guidance and a support model, but we can't do it for them."

Dr. Valerie says fighting over homework is common, but if you feel yourself getting angry, take a deep breath and walk away. If your child is really struggling, first talk to the teacher, and, if all else fails, consider hiring a tutor.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "If you do not have time with homework, I would suggest hiring somebody to come in and do homework with your child."

Victoria's mom is going to do just that because she knows how important it is.

Kelley Carrillo: "These kids are going to be more challenged than we ever were as children, and they need to be competitive."

Lynn Martinez: "Parents, also keep track of what your child's assignments are, so you can help them plan ahead so they don't run out of time, and you don't lose your cool."