During grade school, kids start getting homework for the first time to reinforce and extend classroom learning and help them practice important study skills. By doing homework, kids learn how to manage and budget time (for long-term assignments like book reports), complete work neatly and to the best of their ability, and read and follow directions independently. It also helps them develop a sense of responsibility, pride in a job well done, and a work ethic that will benefit them well beyond the classroom. Parents can give kids lots of homework help, primarily by making homework a priority and helping them develop good study habits.

Kids get to play and they don't have jobs, but they still have plenty to worry about. Stress from things like school and social situations can feel overwhelming for kids, particularly if they don't have healthy strategies to cope with strong feelings and solve everyday problems. But it's not always easy for parents to know how to connect with a child who's feeling stressed. Here are a few ideas: