Win the 'homework war'

NEW YORK The following tips from Dr. Richard E. Bavaria, Ph.D. and senior president for education outreach for Sylvan Learning, are designed to help you work more effectively with your child:

1. Be a homework manager. Don't do your child's homework, but provide the structure and tools needed to complete assignments successfully. Often, it's the lack of planning that makes homework seem overwhelming.
2. Know your child. Because each child is unique, with different learning styles and academic needs, it is important to personalize the learning process. Develop a work schedule and study environment based on your child's personal learning style.
3. Break long-term assignments into smaller segments. Larger projects will be less overwhelming when viewed as a series of incremental tasks.
4. Set milestones. Teach your child to display completion dates on a calendar to help stay on track and complete projects on time.
5. Celebrate success. A celebration gives your child a sense of accomplishment and pride.