Some do's and don'ts, courtesy of the National PTA, for parents wondering how much to help with homework:

• Assume that your children will have homework every night.

• Ask them if they understand their assignments. If they don't, work a few examples together.

• Ask your children to see their homework after the teacher returns it, to learn where they're having trouble and where they're doing well.

• Stay in touch with teachers and ask how you can help support their lessons.

• Remember, you and the teachers want the same thing — to help your children learn.

• Don't do your children's work for them. Help them learn to do it themselves.

• Show your children that you think homework is important. Ask to see their work if you haven't been home while they were doing it.

• Praise your children regularly for doing well.