Kids eagerly await the beginning of summer – no more school, no more tests, no more math problems, and no more essays. But often, by the end of summer, parents are just as eager for the beginning of a new school year – no more moderating fights, no more whining about being bored, and no more trips to air-conditioned restaurant playgrounds.

But along with new friends, new teachers, and new activities, with the start of every new school year comes the inevitable: homework.

As parents, we understand the necessity of homework, but few enjoy enduring the tears and arguments that often accompany it.

So what can Moms and Dads do to make the homework experience less stressful and more productive?

Be Involved in Your Child's Education - First and foremost, parents must take an active interest in all elements of their children's education: the teachers, class work, tests, and homework. At an early age, children must know that they are accountable not only to their teacher but to their parents as well. Also, parents are then aware of any difficulties their children may be having before they fall behind.

Do Homework First - I quickly learned when my kids were young that I needed to make sure they finish their homework before they do anything else. After school, if I let them play outside, watch television, or call a neighbor for a play date, then getting them to switch back to school mode later in the evening was next to impossible. Every night was a battle of wills: me imploring, begging, and threatening them to do their homework. Inevitably, yelling and tears would follow. So I changed our strategy. They completed homework as soon as we got home, before watching TV, playing with friends, or using the computer. This reduced the nagging tremendously, turning homework time into a more positive experience for everyone.

Keep an Assignment Notebook - Liz Brosamle, an elementary school teacher, suggests students have an assignment book. Sometimes, the school will provide these and teachers help students write in their assignments. Other times, schools send home a weekly homework chart or post one on the school's website. It is therefore easy for parents to know what homework their child is expected to complete. Parents can then check off work that has been completed.

Take Breaks as Necessary - Brosamle also notes that it is important for students to take short breaks when they have a heavy homework load – they can eat a snack, get some exercise, or call a friend. But parents should also place a time limit on these breaks to help reign the child in so time doesn't get away from them.

Provide Small Incentives, If Necessary - Ideally, children will complete homework simply for the reward of a good grade and praise from the teacher. Unfortunately, for many kids, this is not enough incentive. But parents can offer a small incentive, such as fifteen minutes on the PlayStation after completing homework.

Provide Age-Appropriate Supervision - Some children need more supervision than others, and parents need to understand how much supervision their children need. Of course, as they get older, the necessary supervision should decrease so that eventually, they can complete all of their responsibilities on their own. But as high school teacher Laurie Nelson points out, parents should continue to check up on high school students' assignments too. Teenagers routinely misrepresent how much homework they have and often their grades suffer as a result. Fortunately, many schools now periodically post grades online so that parents can continually check and see if their children are turning in homework.

Have A Centralized Place to Keep Homework - Students should keep homework in the appropriate subject binder or a separate homework folder to avoid misplacing completed homework, according to Brosamle. And they should pack up the night before school, not wait until the chaos of the morning routine, when the assignment can be forgotten and left on the kitchen table.

For the most part, parents should just make sure they stay on top of their children's work. And the children should know Mom and Dad are paying attention. I know when our lives get busy because we are going to work, driving kids from one activity to another, and trying to maintain some connections to the outside world, it is easy to let our supervision of homework slide. But it is so important for us to stay on top of this task, for the sake of our children's education.

To share your own tips with Vickie, email her at vickieoddino@familymagazinegroup.com.