Have you ever...

Stayed up past midnight to perfect the lava flow on a model volcano that your child has been fussing over?

Reminded your preteen for the millionth time that homework has to be done before the TV is turned on?

Marvelled at how your grey hairs have multiplied faster than your child's understanding of Shakespeare?

Ah, homework. It's a point of contention for parents and kids alike – and in some families, that's putting it politely. There's either too much homework, too little or none at all. (Hmm, what are those eraser marks all over Evan's agenda?) Relax! We'll show you how to end homework horrors with seven pointers from education pros.

1. Designate a homework time.
"Set a time each day when your kids are not allowed to do anything else," says Anthony Wolf, child psychologist and author of The Secret of Parenting (Farrar, Straus and Giroux). "You can't force kids to do homework, but you can tell them that they can't be on the phone or computer or watching TV during that time." If there's a younger sibling who doesn't have homework, make this a no-TV time for him as well, so the older child won't feel like he's missing out.
What time works best varies with each child. Right after school is optimal for some kids because they are still in a studying frame of mind, while others need a break before hitting the books. After dinner may be better for kids in elementary and middle school because a parent needs to supervise, says Allison Mackenzie, a teacher at Symmes Junior High School in Aylmer, Que.
Finding the right time is a trial-and-error process that should include your child's input. "Establishing a time period that the child has contributed to will make it more productive," says Sally Richards, former principal of George Street Middle School in Fredericton. Even if your child hasn't brought any assigned homework home, says Mackenzie, he should sit in the same place at the same time each night. "He can read, pout or come up with something to do," she says. "Eventually, the child will remember that he'll be sitting at that time and will think of something to bring home to work on."

2. Create a workspace that works.
A good space for kids to work will help them get into an attentive frame of mind. "Lots of times, kids don't want to do homework, so they say ‘Oh, I'm looking for a pencil,'" says Vanessa LeCaine, a curriculum coordinator/teacher at Riverbend Junior High School in Edmonton. "Have everything in one place so they don't have an excuse." Don't forget about calculators, dictionaries and supplies for creative projects.
The workspace can be virtually anywhere in the home and not necessarily a quiet place. "For some kids, it's not a problem to do homework in a high-traffic area such as the kitchen," says Wolf. "One thing you don't want is to have a TV on." Be mindful that each sibling may prefer his own time and place for homework.

3. Help only when necessary.
If it feels like you're putting in more effort than your child, you're helping too much. "You need to monitor your kids and answer their questions, but you should not do their work, even part of it, for them," says Richards. Ask the teacher for guidance on how to help your child with homework.
If your kids are stuck on something, try helping them brainstorm ways to work out answers or reword tricky problems. Many word problems in math, for example, contain superfluous information. If you think your child can't complete the assigned homework without more assistance, talk to his teacher.

4. Manage the workload.
The amount of homework varies from teacher to teacher, but each school has a homework policy, says Mackenzie. Find out what the expectation is at your child's school.
If your child appears to be spending too much time on homework, first consider whether he is using his time wisely or if the work is too difficult for him. If it seems to be the latter, talk to his teacher or guidance counsellor about the possibility of a learning challenge. You are an advocate for your child and need to work with the learning professionals.
When procrastination is an issue, long-term research assignments may prove exceedingly difficult – for both of you. As soon as a project is assigned, sit down together and map out what has to be done, divide the workload into chunks and then set up deadlines for each part of the project. Keep a checklist on the fridge or write completion dates on a calendar.

5. Ask lots of questions.
One day a child will realize that if he doesn't bring his homework home, or if he simply hides it, he won't have to do it. What a brilliant concept – not! If this is the case with your young pupil, step up communication with his teacher, but don't rush to punish your child. This will only create negative reactions to homework. A student's agenda can be a helpful, short-term communication tool, says Mackenzie: a teacher initials to confirm that the assignment has been written in the agenda, and a parent initials when the work has been completed at home.

6. Let go of the responsibility.
When is it time to let a child take responsibility for his homework? Right from the start, says Richards. "Back off when you know your child is capable and on the right track." As children get older and more comfortable with their academic expectations, they are more likely to realize that they have to take responsibility for themselves and how they perform scholastically. By the time they reach high school, most students won't need a nightly agenda check – just some cajoling to get off the couch and back to their desk.
If your child simply isn't taking on this responsibility, don't think Johnny will soon change his ways when he sees his poor grades on his report card. "If you have an older kid who doesn't seem to do his homework, you have to be involved," says Wolf. "Better he gets it done with reminders and supervision than not at all." Tell him you're more than willing – even happy – to back off once he starts to show some initiative.

7. Keep the peace.
While homework doesn't have to be a warm and fuzzy event in your home, it shouldn't be fraught with tension either. "Yelling or nagging at a child to do his homework is pointless. This builds resentment and creates anxiety around homework," says Richards. Instead, talk to your child about the school's expectations. Involve him by asking how you can help him meet those standards. It may be as simple as changing homework time. Be upbeat and positive, and let your child know that you're there for him.