Homework Helper

Of course you want to help your children with their homework. But how much is too much? Where's the line between giving kids support and being a crutch?

Your children are counting on you to help them make the leap from what they already know to what's new to them, so make yourself available for questions during homework time. Support their efforts to grasp new material and reshape information to fit their level of understanding. And keep in mind that you don't have to provide all the homework help. Encourage older siblings to quiz younger ones with spelling lists and math flash cards.

Use these six tips from Good Kids, Bad Habits to become an A+ homework helper.

• Chop it up. Break large projects down into smaller, more manageable components.
• Go easy. Start with the simple stuff. If kids start with the most difficult, they may be too tired or upset to complete the assignments that are a breeze.
• Let them do it. Don't give them the answers -- help them find the answers.
• Prioritize. Ask them what they can do on their own and what they might need help with. Success with one task may make them suspect they can do the others, too.
• Get organized. Teach kids how to manage time with a notebook or calendar that tracks assignments and due dates.
• Buddy up. Encourage your older child to team up with a classmate for a study session on the phone or online. A study buddy makes doing homework an interactive experience for your child, so learning is a lot more enjoyable.