3. My daughter views me as the homework police. How can I be her ally?

Ever notice how kids don't appreciate it when you stand over them and comment on their work? A little praise is always appreciated, but be careful about how you criticize.

I've come to see my role concerning homework as similar to that of a flight attendant. I'm not actually flying the plane, but I'm a friendly, unflappable, ever-helpful presence, a kind of homework hostess, available for consultation on questions like "What's the capital of South America?" or "Do we have any didgeridoos?"

Here are more tips:

• In elementary school, it's a good idea to be in the room while your child does his homework. Your presence (or that of a caretaker), encourages him to stay on track and offers support.

• Some parents work or read alongside their child, thus making homework a shared ritual instead of a private ordeal.

• Don't correct homework. When the teacher does it, they see the child's mistakes and can determine the areas of study in which the student may need extra help.