As any parent or caregiver knows, homework and children can be a precarious mix. Homework, however, is a valuable tool that extends beyond classroom learning. Through the work that a child brings home, parents gain insight into their children's education. It may be a chore, but it's an important aspect of your child's life. With practice and structure, homework time can be a positive experience for the entire family.

According to a recent study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, the majority of fourth-graders spend less than half an hour a day on homework. School district and classroom requirements vary, but the National Education Association suggests that students in grades K–2 should have no more than 20 minutes of homework per school day, while those in grades three to six, "can handle 30–60 minutes a day." As any parent knows, though, there can be extreme differences in the amount of time a child "can handle" and "will sit still for!" Creating a homework routine is an essential component in a child's success. It can be challenging at first, but well worth the efforts. Learning the discipline of studying is a reward that will pay off in the long run. With just a few simple steps, parents can greatly contribute to homework success.

Set a Schedule

A regular (but flexible) schedule will allow your child the opportunity to pace himself and finish assignments. A daily schedule is easy to follow, but you may need to allow time for outside activities. Remember, though, that homework is a priority. If you find that, between soccer practice and music lessons, there's minimal time for homework, then it's time to rethink the extracurricular activities.

Some students work best when they start their homework as soon as they arrive home, while others need time to decompress. When Betty Benitez noticed that her youngest son Jorge had a difficult time focusing on his work, she modified his homework routine. "Unlike my two daughters, Jorge wouldn't concentrate, wouldn't sit still when he got home," she says. "So I gave him twenty minutes to watch TV and eat a snack as soon as he got home. After that, he got right to work." Finding the schedule that allows your child (and you) to best focus on the work at hand is a valuable key to reducing stress and frustration.