Homework causes more headaches for parents than it does for children. Some parents worry because their children don?t seem to do enough while others are concerned because they do too much. And most parents want to able to help their children more effectively.

Homework is very much a part of secondary education however primary schools vary in their approach. As a general rule, little formal work is given to children in the first three years of schooling. Parents are encouraged to read and be involved in a variety of informal learning activities at home. Children may gather information for use in school the next day, make entries in a diary, or keep scrapbooks. Regular homework generally begins at year three in Victorian schools.

There has been considerable disagreement over the last decade about the value of homework for primary aged children. Most educators agree that reading is the most valuable homework that a child can do and should become a daily habit for children.

The first step for parents is to consult with their children?s teachers and find out the school?s homework policy. Will your child have formal homework? How often will it be set? How can you help your child to learn?

Any formal work that children do at home should have clear educational benefits. Homework is useful when it:

* consolidates and supports in-school learning

* accounts for different learning rates

* increases children?s confidence and enjoyment in learning

* develops productive long-term habits of organisation and planning

* is followed up by the teacher

Parents can help with homework and support children in the following ways:

* Establish sound study habits at an early age. Begin by reading with children each night and gradually change to more formal homework in later years when projects and assignments are set by teachers.

* Establish a predictable routine. If homework is done at the same time each evening, getting started is usually less of an issue.

* Make homework time as pleasurable as possible. If you are sharing a book, don?t make reading a test. Ensure reading is an enjoyable experience for both, so make yourself comfortable, have a laugh and get your child involved.

* Establish a good working environment for students. Make sure they have a quiet area away from distractions that is well-lit and with good ventilation. A table or desk makes a good workspace, although don?t be surprised if they spread work out all over the kitchen table.

* Encourage students to work reasonably quickly and efficiently. Have a set time limit which they should stick to. There is generally little point slogging away once they become frustrated or tired.

* A little work each night is more productive than packing it into one weekly session.

* Encourage children to get organised by thinking ahead and planning their homework around their extra-curricular activities. A weekly planner or diary will help older students get organised.

If you are helping your child with a particular task, keep your explanation as simple and practical as you can. If you become upset or frustrated and the atmosphere becomes tense then stop helping.

Be realistic and don?t expect to solve all homework difficulties. When in doubt send a note to your child?s teacher letting him or her know the problem. The teacher will appreciate this good communication.

If you have concerns about the how much homework your child is set or the level of difficulty of homework contact the teacher and arrange a time to discuss your worries. Such discussion is the basis of true partnership between you and your child?s teacher.

Michael Grose is a popular parenting educator and parent coach. He is the director of Parentingideas, the author of seven books for parents and a popular presenter who speaks to audiences in Australia, Singapore and the USA. For free courses and resources to help you raise happy kids and resilient teenagers visit www.parentingideas.com.au