If you are a parent of school-age children, chances are you’ve dealt with homework issues at some point. Though homework is an important tool for reinforcing what your child is learning at school, it often results in stress, anxiety and emotional drama for both students and parents.

Here are seven ways you can help your child cope with his or her homework load, alleviate the stress surrounding homework and set your child up for academic success.

1. Location, location, location. Much like adults, children need a quiet, well-lit environment for studying and completing their schoolwork. It is important to create a specific area with a desk or table for your child to sit at and one that is equipped with supplies such as writing utensils, paper, and a computer, if necessary.
2. Schedule it. Given the busy lives that many families lead, it’s important to designate a specific time each day for homework. While most children are not excited about doing their homework right after school, it’s often the most productive time of the evening. If you’re having trouble motivating your student, perhaps an afternoon snack and a little free time are just what he or she needs before getting to work. Studies have repeatedly shown that children thrive on schedules. Schedules vary from family to family, but it’s important to remain consistent and to help your child establish good study habits early on.
3. Eliminate distractions. Your child’s homework time will be more productive if it’s distraction-free. According to a recent study, children between the ages of 8 and 18 spend, on average, 7 1/2 hours each day consuming media via television, cell phones, video games, and the Internet.  With these devices always at their disposal, it is easy to see how homework could take much longer than necessary to complete. Although it can be a tough precedent to set, making homework time tech-free, with the exception of necessary computer research, will allow your child to focus and complete homework in a timely manner.
4. Parental guidance required. Moms and dads also play an important role when it comes to homework. Although you are undoubtedly busy preparing dinner or caring for younger siblings, your student may need assistance or guidance. While it is never a good idea to complete the assignments for your child, it is okay to make yourself available to help explain concepts, practice problems, or double-check the work. Your child will learn more and will stress less about homework with your support.
5. Communication is key. Another great way to help ease your child’s homework anxiety is to keep the lines of communication open. Talk with your child about upcoming assignments, taking time to put a plan in place to complete the work before it is due. After assignments have been completed and returned, review the graded work with your child to identify areas for improvement or to review concepts. Remember to compliment and praise your child on a job well done. A little encouragement goes a long way.
6. It takes a village. If you find that your child is continually struggling with the same subjects and assignments, it may be time to speak with the teacher. Most teachers are happy to help students outside of class and may even suggest that you hire a tutor. Remind your child that it’s okay to ask for help and that a tutor may be able to help present concepts in a new and different way.
7. Keep them healthy. Keeping your child healthy is one of the best ways to improve success at school. Children learn and retain knowledge better when they eat healthy foods, exercise and get at least eight hours of sleep at night.

More structure and a renewed focus go a long way toward creating a homework experience that is efficient, productive and less stressful.