By Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

As Go Ask Mom readers know, I pose questions from readers here from time to time in a series I call Help a Mom.

I got an email the other day from a mom who needs help helping her sixth grader study properly. Here's what she wrote:

"I am looking for resources in Eastern Wake County in school assistance. My child needs assistance studying for 6th grade topics - Social Studies, Science, & Math. He also needs to learn HOW to study properly so he can retain all his knowledge and pass the test! It wouldn't hurt for him to understand organizational skills as well. I am helping him studying for all his tests but I don't think that I am the best study partner. Maybe someone who is interested in being a mentor or a tutor to younger kids in this area. Where can we find resources like this? Thanks!"

I sent her question on to the folks at N.C. Parent Consultants. The group made up of former parent counselors at Project Enlightenment actually will have a session on homework battles during their Parents on the Go Saturday Morning Coffee Forum from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 16. Check the website for details.

But Toqui Kennedy, a child psychologist at N.C. Parent Consultants, also shared these tips with the reader. So I'll share them with you.

Here's what Toqui wrote:

Utilize the staff at the school. Teachers/counselors can be very helpful with helping students develop study strategies for learning and retention. The test grade is important, but having her child reach his/her potential is the ultimate goal. Also, if this child has any underlying learning issues that need to be detected and addressed the school can facilitate testing. A parent school partnership around this issue would be best.

Wake Tutors provides already screened tutors throughout the Wake county area for a fee.

Even when grades are low or a student has academic struggles balance in the student's life is very important. Activities outside of school and academics that provide exercise, social stimulation and positive family bonding are necessary for healthy development.

The Psychoeducational Clinic at NCSU is very helpful at teasing out learning issues. Peace College also has students majoring in Education that are willing to provide mentoring and tutoring.

And now it's your turn readers. What are your tips for this mom?