It could be asking too much to expect your daughter to be a completely independent worker at her age. One of the best things you can do to help her is to be with her when she does her homework. Try your best to change your schedule around so at least one parent can be with her when she does her homework. She will feel it is important because you have made it a point to be there.

Eight year-old students usually don't bring home a great deal of work from school. Most of their work is usually completed in class. But establishing good habits and routines now will help when the time comes in a few years, when she will have more homework and projects to complete at home. Set up a certain area of the home for homework and a certain time of of the day or night when it is expected to be done.

Older children who develop into independent workers will not have to be reminded they have homework, they will know what is expected of them and when it is due. They look to their parents as resources for help when needed, not as someone who needs to monitor their every move.

As long as your daughter is in school and is around other children she will be influenced. However, as long as you provide a stable and loving home with good boundaries and some structure, she will learn your values and morals. Parents are their children's first and most important teachers. They will have many other teachers in her life as she grows, but you have provided her with the foundation; the roots of her growth.

To speak with a counselor at anytime, please feel free to contact us on our toll-free Hotline or by e-mail. We also have a website for parents: www.parenting.org

Take care and best wishes to you and your daughter!

Sincerely,

Cynthia, Counselor
Boys Town National Hotline
1-800-448-3000
hotline@boystown.org