"The mother/son relationship was strained for my family last year.  During homework time, my son was crying and I was frustrated," explains Jenny, the mother of Christopher, a third grader attending the Sylvan Learning in Towson, Maryland.  "Being a good mom does not always mean you’re also a good homework teacher."

At the beginning of the school year in September 2008, Jenny decided to enroll her son in the Sylvan Academic Reading, Math Essentials and Homework Support programs to ensure Christopher developed the lasting skills, habits and attitudes needed for lifelong success.  "Every parent wants her child to excel, but each child is different and may need different kinds of help.  Sylvan helped me to discover Christopher’s personal learning style.  Since coming to Sylvan, this year has been a blessing," says Jenny.

Christopher’s parents have established a homework routine.  Every day after school, when not attending Sylvan, Christopher comes home, rests for twenty minutes while eating a snack and begins his homework.  This allows Christopher to complete his homework at home or while at Sylvan and have time to play before dinner. "Christopher is strengthening his ability to concentrate.  Sylvan has taught my son how to become an independent student who has the confidence to try new things.  He’s no longer afraid to try his best.  That’s what every mother hopes to achieve," comments Christopher’s mother.

What is Jenny’s advice to parents struggling to win the nightly homework war?  "For parents whose mother/child relationships are stressed due to academics, I suggest the parents obtain supplemental assistance.  Sylvan was the answer for my family.  Sylvan made learning fun for my son and, because we are not fighting about homework completion, we can have a peaceful family dinner now!"