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Does your child cringe every time you mention homework? If yes, then he/she must not be enjoying it. Irrespective of your child’s age, homework is a part of student’s lives since the beginning of formal schooling. Doing homework is good for kids as it reinforces the daily classroom teachings. It develops the child’s sense of responsibility towards completing their own work, help to follow directions independently, manage and budget time among work and play and lastly it teaches how to finish work to the best of their ability.

Homework is not entirely a child’s responsibility. If one or both the parents are involved, it is a positive experience for both, the child and parents. Taking interest in your child’s homework will let you find out your child’s strengths and weakness and what is being taught to them.

How can you help?

Fix a small corner in your house where your child does the homework i.e., some place quiet without any distraction and all resources at arms length.

Avoid changing homework timings everyday. Some kids will want to finish homework first (after a small snack) and then play or vice versa. Some might even start after dinner.

Help your child to do homework on its own. Explain where and how to find information, rather than just giving it to them. Do not do their homework for them. It’s your child responsibility.

Know your child’s teacher. Get involved in your child’s academic career. Attend PTA or any function that requires parent’s participation. Ask the teacher about your child’s progress and related concerns.

Make homework time a special time. Your child will look forward to show you his/her work and expect positive / constructive feedback.

Praise your child’s work, celebrate his / her achievements. Reward them suitably to keep their interest levels high. Help them find out their strengths and weakness.

Talk to your child’s teacher if you still have any concerns about the workload or your child’s progress.

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Most children and teenagers use backpacks to carry the necessities of the school day.

Mary Ann Wilmarth, the assistant dean and director of the transitional doctors of physical therapy degree at Northeastern University in Boston said in a statement that backpacks that are overloaded and/or are worn the wrong way can cause problems for children and teenagers like injury to the muscles and joints leading to severe back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as posture problems.

Backpacks are designed to distribute the weight of the load between some of the body’s strongest muscles like back and the abdominal muscles. To choose the right backpack, here are some guidelines:

Ensure that your child uses both the straps to distribute the weight of backpack. This promotes well-aligned symmetrical posture. Carrying the weight with just one strap means that one side of body has to bear most of the weight.

Avoid excessive twisting and keep the trunk of the body stable especially while putting on and removing backpacks.

Backpacks should be positioned in an uniform manner towards the middle of the back, not extending below the lower back. A waist strap helps in distributing the weight of heavy load evenly.

Shoulder straps should be adjusted to allow your child to put it on and remove the backpack easily. Straps should not be too loose or tight. Your child should be able to move his/her arms freely.

The load in the backpack should be 10-15% less than your child’s weight. Put in only necessary items for the day. Heavy books or items should be positioned closest to the back.

Encourage your child to be active, teach them back strengthening exercises to promote better muscle strength, flexibility that makes carrying a backpack an easy job.

If you have to bend to pick up something from the floor with your backpack on, bend using both the knees.

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Starting school is a big step for children. The fear and anxiety of being away from home is a normal growth process. Not all children handle separation in same manner. Some cling and cry, while others are happy. Be whatever your child’s reaction to the first day of school, you can make this transition easy for your child and your self with these tips:

Discuss. So before the school opens, talk about it to your child. Show your enthusiasm and excitement at the prospect of going to school. Get your child to convey his/her feelings on this. Do not force the discussion on your child if not interested. Explain that school is something to look forward to, rather than something to fear.

Before your child starts schooling, to know how he/she copes with separation, do a mock run. Leave the child at grandma or relative’s house for few hours. Trying the time away from you will lessen the separation pangs for your child on the first day.

Enroll your child in playschool or set play dates with kids who are starting school with your child. If your child sees familiar looking faces, he / she will feel comfortable on the first day of school.

On the first day, ask your child if he/she would like to carry some token like favorite toy from home. Presence of familiar object will give your child a sense of security in new surroundings.

Spend time with your child in the classroom on the first day. Introduce your kid to the teacher and other classmates. If there is an art and craft nook, involve your child in engaging activity.

If your child is still nervous, do not scold. Avoid bribing, as it could become a daily habit. Explain the concept of learning new things, soothe his / her fears and tell that you will be back to pick him / her at the end of school day.

Say a cheerful goodbye. Stand near the door and hug the child or wave out secretly from the window. And remind your child that you will return to pick him / her on time at the end of school day.

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