Homework Hell(P)
What do you do you have kids who don’t do their homework? When they are failing because they are not doing their homework?
I don’t know either.
I’ve read all the parent handouts and I’ve even googled “how to get your kids to do their homework”. And the same old list comes up over and over in different forms. It goes something like this:
Turn off the TV. Check (we don’t have one)
No phones. Check
Find a comfortable space. Check (we live in a tiny space so it’s not exactly like we have a homework corner, but whatever).
Have all the right materials. Check
Make it an expectation. Check
Make sure they are organized. You can lead a horse to water……
Make sure that their homework isn’t too hard. Check
Help if they need it. Check.
Make homework a routine. Che….well, this is not always the case. But that’s hard because there’s three kids with three different sports schedules and ME. So yea.
Don’t pay them for it but make sure you have some system of positive reinforcement and consequences. Check
Sit there with them. Make sure to help them whenever they need. Check. I’ve practically re-taught myself algebra.
There’s even the old ….. let them fail…their problem. They’ll learn. Ummm…..well. Ok. Check. Now what?
So. What do you do when you do everything that conventional wisdom dictates and it still doesn’t work?
What are your tricks for getting your teen to do homework?
You sound like me. It must also really annoy you when you get such obvious advice such as “make it an expectation”. Anyway, I don’t have a teen but I do have a very strong-willed 10yr-old and I’ve hit those same dead ends, myself. For him, the old “no Wii and no computer games till homework is done” just doesn’t work. It actually backfired. The struggles stopped when I gave him some control…for example: After school, he gets to play video games or whatever he wants for an hr. He needs to decompress. Then I told him that he could pick the time when he wants to do his homework as long as he is able to complete it and be in bed by 8:30. Once that agreement is broken, then I pick the time. He always picks 7:30pm…but usually, he does it sooner. P.S. The “let them fail” thing didn’t work for him. He is VERY strong willed. Good luck! Great blog.
Mandi
January 24, 2010
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January 24, 2010
I have kids with learning disabilities and here’s a few of our tools for homework time: chewing on gum or straw, lighting a candle that they enjoy the smell, playing classical calming music but not the type that will make the sleepy. If the are moving allot in their chair have them sit on one of those large exercise balls (works great for studying for test).
Take care, I’ll be back to read more in the future.
LadyHawk
January 24, 2010
I wish I had an answer. I was one of those annoying children who made A’s without touching homework, so I’m sure my mom was just as frustrated. Seem to have turned out okay though. :snicker
Dipity
January 26, 2010
I am so glad that the older kids lived elsewhere during their teen years. I’m not sure how I’d handle the whole not doing the homework issue. My parents just wouldn’t let me leave the house until it was done but by my brother it had become a “you can lead a horse to water” issue. Good luck.
decalush
January 27, 2010
I’m more of a “I will ride your ass” to X point and then, its your responsibility. You fail, you fail.
Melia
January 30, 2010
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January 31, 2010
Sigh..my son was great doing his, but the girls are just now in K, so we will see next year. I wish you luck with this!
Ruth Anne
January 31, 2010
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January 31, 2010
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January 31, 2010
well my kids are not school age but I give them print outs from web sites to learn there letter with and I tend to do my homework with them and that works but they are younger.
Korena
January 31, 2010
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January 31, 2010
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