Your child and homework Keeping up with your child's studies may be one of your biggest challenges in the pre-teen years. Here are some hints.

Homework

You'll probably find out most information about your child's subjects through the homework given to him by his teachers.

Schools vary tremendously in the amount of homework they give. The Department for Children, Schools and Families has guidelines for the time your child should spend on homework. From the ages of nine to 11, the department recommends 30 minutes per day and between the ages of 11 and 13, it recommends 45 to 90 minutes per day.

Homework can be a cause of stress between you and your child. Here are some ideas to help your child get through his homework with minimum fuss and maximum benefit:

• Get ready - your child will need a break between school and homework, so give him a short time to relax and have something to eat and drink before he settles back to work.
• Make room - homework takes concentration and quiet, so set up a special place for study. It needs to be well lit, warm, not too noisy and have a table - work is often marked for neatness and a steady surface helps with writing and drawing. TV can be very distracting - he'll learn better if the TV is kept off during homework sessions.
• Show your interest - he'll be encouraged by your attention, so long as you're not looking over his shoulder correcting his every move.
• Make homework rewarding - set up some treats for when homework is done. It could be an activity with you, having a friend round or some time on computer games.
• Catch up on the subjects your child is studying - you'll probably remember some information from your own time at school but many subjects have changed, and it may help to get some tips from the teachers to help you learn alongside your children.
• Don't do the homework yourself - your child could come to rely on you for all the answers.

Exams and tests

You and your child will be faced with plenty of tests and formal examinations in the years to come. Setting up a revision routine and a calm approach to exams will make these stressful times easier on both of you.

• Make a revision timetable - this will help your child share out time between each subject.

Find a balance between hard work and pleasure - make sure your child takes time to relax, meet with friends and get some fresh air. He should give his brain a rest the evening before a test - take a break from studying and get a good night's sleep. If exam anxiety is a problem, make sure your child knows he can talk to you, or another supportive adult such as a teacher or school nurse.

This article was last reviewed by Heather Welford in September 2008.

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