Homework is a fact of life for most school age children. As children move up through the grades, homework becomes an even more important factor in school success. In fact, research from a variety of educational sources supports the importance of doing homework. Homework encourages students to learn good habits and attitudes, develops discipline and responsibility, and teaches students to work independently. Most importantly, students who do more homework, do better in school than students who do not do homework. In addition, homework provides an opportunity for parents to get involved in their children's education.

Below are nine tips parents can use to help their children complete homework assignments:

1) Be positive about homework.
Tell your child how important school is as well as the purpose and importance of doing homework. The attitude you express about homework will be the attitude your child acquires and carries with him/her. So be supportive, positive, and encouraging.

2) Have a regular place for your child to do homework.
Establish a specific area for completing homework assignments. This area can be a separate room, a desk or a corner of the kitchen table, as long as it is comfortable and well lit. In addition, it should be stocked with supplies such as paper, pens, pencils, dictionary, and reference material. Also, if special materials are needed for projects, get them in advance so that they are available when your child needs them.

3) Establish a set time for doing homework.
It is important to begin doing homework at the same time every day, therefore you need to establish a time and stick to it. The ideal time for working on homework assignments is when your child is most alert so don't allow your child postpone doing his homework until right before bedtime. For working on major projects, set aside weekend mornings or afternoons, especially if the project involves getting together with classmates.

4) Limit distractions.
Homework time should be as free from distractions as possible so that your child can concentrate and focus on his assignment. This means no TV, video games, loud music, phone calls or visitors during homework time.

5) Be available.
Do not do the homework for your child. When your child asks for help - provide guidance, not answers. If you give your child the answers, she will not learn the material. If there is something that she doesn't understand, guide her through the directions. Be patient and provide as many explanations as necessary.

6) Set a good example.
Do your homework when your child does his. This will show your child that the skills he is learning are related to things you do as an adult. If your child is reading, you read too. If your child is doing math, balance your checkbook or work on the family's budget.

7) Stay informed.
Get to know your child's teacher early in the year, and find out about homework expectations and policies. If a homework problem arises during the course of the year that you can't resolve, call the teacher right away before it becomes a major issue.

8) Help your child with time management.
Explain to your child that there is hard, time consuming homework and there is easy homework. Then, have your child do the hard work first. That way, she will be most alert when facing the biggest challenges. Easy material could be completed quickly when fatigue begins to set in. Also, remember to let your child take a short breaks between lengthy assignments or if she is having trouble concentrating.

9) Reward success.
If your child has been successful in homework completion and is working hard in school, reward him by going out to the movies, renting a video, or doing something that your child enjoys.