HOMEWORK PROCESS \ Some practical tips

WRENTHAM, Mass. — Did you ever lie about not getting a school assignment done on time? These days, children can blame the Internet going down or the printer running out of ink. Today's children often start with homework at a younger age and may have more than we had — and many more things to distract them from it. Here are some practical tips to help improve the process from Tim Sullivan, a former teacher, school administrator and founder and president of PTO Today, an organization that supports parent-teacher groups in schools across America.

Be a stage manager. Make sure your child has a quiet, well-lighted place to do homework. Make sure necessary materials (paper, pencils, dictionary) are available.

Be a motivator. Homework provides a great opportunity for you to tell your child how important school is. Be positive about homework. The attitude you express will be the attitude your child acquires.

Be a role model. When your child does homework, don’t sit and watch TV. If your child is reading, you read, too. If your child is doing math, balance your checkbook. Help your child see that the skills he is practicing are related to things you do as an adult.

Be a monitor. Watch your child for signs of failure and frustration. If your child asks for help, provide guidance, not answers. If frustration sets in, suggest a short break.

Be a mentor. When the teacher asks that you play a role in homework, do it. If homework is meant to be done alone, stay away. Homework is a great way for kids to develop lifelong learning skills. Overinvolvement can be a bad thing.