Parent involvement is the most important factor in children's learning," according to a Child Trends survey. Joanne Jacobs, The Oregonian, Sept. 26, 1994. Show a genuine interest in your children's school work--their grades, successes, failures, what's fun, what's boring, etc. Share a passion for learning. Talk about the joy of discovery. Yes, learning should be fun. Here are some tips to make your job easier.

Unwind Time. Your children have been in school all day, pouring over books, laboriously writing and reading. They need a change of pace--exercise in the fresh air, running, climbing, laughing-- releasing their pent-up energies. Your children will return relaxed and ready for homework. Unwind time should be a minimum of 30 minutes. Better, one hour. (Watching television is no way for a child to relax.)

Agree on Rules. Of course, you have the final word, but it is much better to talk to children about rules and be a bit flexible. When will they study? Where? Be sure the place is well lighted and they have a comfortable chair and desk. You should announce penalties if the homework is not done according to your agreement. Be firm, but kind as you enforce these rules.

Avoid a "Nose to the Grindstone" Approach. We have all experienced it--being forced to do tasks that are boring or downright repulsive. Homework can be like that. Try to think of ways to make homework pleasant--yes, even enjoyable. "Why don't you make a game out of those memory verses. Maybe you could sing them--make up a tune to go with the verses." Help your child make learning fun and above all, don't nag. Set a minimum amount of time for study each night. "For example, multiple the child's grade by 10 minutes--a fourth-grader would study 40 minutes per night." Sharon Sheppard, Focus on the Family, Sept, 1994. Insisting that a first-grader spend 40 minutes to an hour on homework each evening is unrealistic. This is a good way to help children to despise school.

Sharon Sheppard also suggests "that you help your child keep a homework log of assignments and a calendar of deadlines." This will help avoid the stress of last-minute discoveries of a project due the next day. Teach the children to pace their work to avoid the stress of an entire evening spent boning up for a test. It is best for children to work by themselves. Two children studying at the dining room table will be faced with the temptation to play.

Encourage Independence. Some children keep asking for help, explanations, etc. "Donna, you are very capable of figuring this out. Why don't you conquer this problem yourself?" It should not be necessary for parents to spend much time helping their children with homework. Of course, some support will be necessary, but keep this to a minimum. Parents should support children in their homework, but not assume the responsibility. Even from the first grade homework is the child's responsibility. Remind them, yes. Provide time, place, environment, and materials, but no nagging. Dr. Hiam Ginott says, "Many capable children lag in their homework and underachieve in school as an unconscious rebellion against their parents' ambitions.... When parents are too emotionally involved with the scholastic record of the child, he experiences interference with his autonomy...As one child said, 'They can take away the TV and the allowance, but they cannot take away my failing grades.'" Dr. Haim Ginott, Between Parent and Child, pp. 93, 94.

Avoid Undue Focus on Performance. "Jane, getting good grades is important, but it is more important for you to learn perseverance and to store your mind with information that will help you be successful in life." Grades should not be the primary motivation. More important is doing our best. "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might..." Eccl. 9:10, NIV.

Limit TV Viewing. Stanley says, "But Mom, I can do homework and watch television at the same time." "I'm sorry, Stan, we do not watch television on school nights. It is not possible to watch television and fully concentrate on math, Bible, or anything else." Television is probably the greatest enemy of academic performance in our society.

Children have all kinds of excuses for avoiding homework. "Mom, I do not have any homework to do tonight. I did it all at school." Or, Sue says, "I forgot and left my homework at school." On occasions like this, I would invent something for them to learn during homework time. "Tom, you may have finished all of your assignments at school, but I want you to spend 30 minutes reading. I will get a book for you to read and then ask you some questions about what you read."

As Sharon Sheppard says, "Homework reinforces what they cover in school. It also improves their reading skills, raises their grades, and teaches them to be responsible and self-disciplined." Focus on the Family, Sept., 1994.