With Homework, Stick to a Schedule

We asked you how you handle homework, and here’s what you said:

I have raised three children with the same rules that I discovered worked for us 20 years ago. There is no TV viewing during the week, after school or in the evenings.

There were activities after school to be involved in such as sports or music lessons or just plain playing with friends until 5 o’clock. Between 5 and 6 and after supper was homework time, and with a half-hour of reading before bed (or being read to, depending on the age), that meant bedtime no later than 9 p.m.

I am available after dinner to help with homework if necessary. If test-taking was proving to be an issue, I would help my child learn how to study for a test and ask questions from the chapter in preparation.

Supplying a quiet place where a child is comfortable helped the process. Good luck!

--LORETTA CANTORE

Woodland Hills

It’s never too early to learn time-management skills. My two children (now 13 and 15) have used journals since third grade to record what the homework was and approximate the time it would take to complete.

Math can be problematic. Our family will solve equations and word problems individually and then discuss them. Correcting grammar in papers makes for interesting discussion too. The No. 1 rule is that homework must be done before having fun--and that includes watching TV. Also, make sure that the homework and time spent on it are appropriate for the grade level. Question the teacher, if necessary.

--CAROLYN WISPE BURNS

Culver City

This was very difficult to cut to 75 words, but . . .

1. Each child is different. Know your child.

2. Provide the student with a healthy snack and time out, preferably with some physical exercise before starting.

3. Begin homework as early in the day as possible.

4. Teach your child how to prioritize. A monthly calendar can help them visualize when assignments are due. Show them how to break large, overwhelming projects into smaller achievable steps. Celebrate the completion of each large task.

5. Try to make homework fun and not a power struggle.

--HESTER JONES

Westlake Village

My son does his homework on his own. If he needs help, I will act as a “second teacher” and help explain whatever he has trouble grasping. We watch the “Homework Hotline” television show to reinforce what he has already learned or to learn new concepts.

Homework guidelines are structured. After school, he has a snack, then does his homework. No basketball, no television until all homework is complete.

--VALERIE P. MORALES

Los Angeles

There had been times when our daughter’s homework was postponed, just put off until the last minute. Then we all became involved. Everyone needs some motivation, including our young adult teenager. My wife and I are involved every day. We help her use the Internet to obtain the latest information and thoughtfully work on projects together. This includes reading together. The ground rules are to work hard, for a bright future is your reward.

--TOM and JUDY BOOMER

Altadena

The next question: Your best friend has just become a mom. While she’s thrilled with her little bundle, there is little joy in the household yet. Seems the little one is colicky, crying inconsolably for hours on end. Your friend is in utter despair. What tips for calming the wee one can you share?

Please share your strategies with us in 100 words or fewer. Each Monday, we’ll ask a new parenting question, and publish responses on a subsequent Monday. Send to Parental Guidance, Southern California Living, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053; e-mail socalliving@latimes.com or fax (213) 237-0732. Please include your name, hometown and phone number. Submissions cannot be returned. No telephone calls, please.