In parents' quest to keep children "well-rounded" with out-of-school activities, they leave little time for homework and other activities considered by many to be important for their education. However, those parents who advocate for reduced homework loads, stress-free schoolwork, and an increase in extracurricular activities may actually be doing their children a disservice. Noting that more affluent parents are expressing increased anger at attempts to infuse their children's schools with the kind of academic rigor for which poor parents clamor, this book offers parents and teachers a practical guide to encourage and support children's academic success and, by doing so, bolster their self-worth. The book uses real-life examples drawn from years of research to show how to set priorities and help children develop traits of persistence, diligence, and the ability to delay gratification. The book's chapters are as follows: (1) "Challenging Our Assumptions"; (2) "Talking to Your Children about School"; (3) "Supporting Achievement at Home"; (4) "Dealing with Homework"; (5) "Working with the Teacher's Values"; (6) "Balancing Extra-Curricular Interests with Academic Obligations"; (7) "Confronting Negative Peer Pressure"; and (8) "What You Say and Do Really Matters." Helpful questions for parents to ask themselves and their children's teachers are appended. (Contains extensive notes, by chapter.) (HTH)