Parent to Parent: Homework

WSVN--Child: "Dad, mom, help! What is the answer to this?"

Parent: "I cannot do your homework for you. Do it yourself."

How many times does this happen at your house? Whether it is literature...Algebra...Or biology no child likes to do their homework.

And that includes 11-year-old Nadia and 12-year-old Angela. The girls know homework's supposed to help them learn, but they're not always fond of doing it.

Angela: I would rather talk or watch TV or tae kwon doe but I have to do homework."

Nadia: "The more we miss school days, the more they pile up on us."

Lucky for Nadia and Angela, they get help at Ray's Afterschool Program in Miami springs. Here, leaders help the children complete their assignments before the fun begins.

Astevia Gonzalez: "They don't want to read directions, they just want us to do the homework for them. We help them complete their homework. We help them if they don't understand it."

And that's exactly what 7 Parenting Expert, Dr. Sally Goldberg says parents should do. She says make sure your children have a set time and place to complete their assignments

Seven Parenting Expert Dr. Sally Goldberg: "Maybe it should have a beanbag chair and that's for reading, a computer area for computer work. Let your child design it, so that he enjoys it."

If your child has a hard time concentrating, rotate homework. Have him or her start with one subject, then move onto another subject until they're done. Tell them it's okay to take a break, as long as they finish. But parent's - make sure you don't get too involved.

Dr. Sally Goldberg: "Do not do your child's homework, however, be available for your child when he needs help."

Then test your child by going over the homework. Work on the ones they got wrong. Be sure to praise them for correct answers. But don't reward with material goods.

Dr. Sally Goldberg: "Once he feels that this is a successful activity, that's going to automatically decrease any resistance."

Nadia and Angela do take breaks while doing they're homework, but they know the value of getting it done.

Angela: "You have no choice in order to go to college and be smart."

Nadia: "It teaches things and what you need to learn in the future."

If the amount of homework seems overwhelming, then talk to your child's teacher about lessening the load.

E-MAIL QUESTIONS TO:
parent@wsvn.com

Dr. Sally Goldberg's Website:
www.drsallyparenting.com

Ray's After School Program
81 Curtiss Parkway
Miami Springs, FL 33166
305-885-8597
http://www.raystaekwondo.com