Dear Family Coach: As the end of the school year approaches, it is next to impossible to get my 10-year-old son to do his homework. He wants to be outside playing, and I don't blame him. How can I get us both through these last few weeks without his grades dropping off? — Mom Waiting for Summer

Dear Mom: I, like you, am just about ready to wrap up this school year. Once the weather warms up and the flowers begin to blossom and the birds start chirping, it is hard to stay focused. But it is just as important for your son to practice good study habits now as it was in September. There are ways to make sure he finishes strong.

Don't pretend it isn't horrible to stay inside and do homework. Empathy can help you avoid a battle. Plan a fun activity for after his homework is complete. An impending game of Blokus, bike ride or trip to the local arcade will go a long way in the motivation department. Another approach is to push his homework a little later. A 10 year old is old enough to make a deal. Tell your son he can go play with his friends if he promises to focus hard on his work right after dinner. Agree on a consequence if he doesn't keep his end of the bargain. Giving him a little flexibility may encourage him to get the job done.

Dear Family Coach: My 6-year-old daughter asks me questions about everything, especially every morning when we're at the bus stop. She asks if she's going to take the bus home (which she does every day) and whether I'll be at bus stop to pick her up after school (which I do every day). It's a weird anxiety thing. Is it necessary to answer every question she asks? — Questioned Dad

Dear Questioned: Yup, you have to answer her questions. It may be wearing you thin if she's a particularly chatty child in general. But the questions you mention seem to stem from an anxiety that is not being sufficiently calmed. It is unclear if her anxiety stems from something that happens on the bus, a concern for being left behind or confusion about her routine. The first step is to understand where her concerns lie.

At another time, when you're not waiting for the bus, ask your daughter about her experience on the bus. Is she comfortable? Does she have any fears or concerns? Does she recognize that you consistently pick her up every day when the bus arrives? If, for some reason, you arrived late one day, address that mistake. Reassure her that you understand her fear and will make an extra special effort to make sure that never happens again. Continue to calmly (and seriously, without joking) answer any questions that come up at the bus stop. The repetition may be helpful.

The truth is, while you might find the repeated inquiries annoying, your daughter is expressing genuine love. She trusts you more than anyone in the world and wants to know you'll be there to protect her. That type of bond doesn't always last, so embrace it — even when you're fed up.

Dr. Catherine Pearlman, the founder of The Family Coach, LLC, advises parents on all matters of child rearing. To write to Dr. Pearlman, send her an email at questions@thefamilycoach.com. To find out more about Dr. Catherine Pearlman and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.