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A collection of news, tips and tidbits about parents, kids and education.

Parents can push homework duties

Knight Ridder News Service

Parents who work outside the home may have a harder time making sure their child is focusing on his or her studies after school. Parents magazine suggests these ways to stay in the loop:

• If possible, make an after-school phone date each day to talk with your child about assignments.

• If your child is in an after-school program, have him or her do at least some of the homework there.

• See whether you can arrange your work schedule so that you can get home a little earlier one or two nights a week.

• Set aside a few minutes when you get home to look over your child's homework.

Kids drawn to music activities

The Washington Post

Do you play an instrument or sing? You're not alone. Percentage of 8- to 12-year-olds who participate in music activities:

• Play an instrument: 30 percent

• Sing in a chorus or choir at school or church: 24 percent

• Play in a school band: 14 percent

• Play in a musical group outside school: 2 percent

Source: Harris Interactive