What to Do When Your Child

Does not Do Their Best Work

If your child rushes through homework, state that this is not okay to do incomplete or sloppy work.  Use these tips to help your child take responsibility for doing homework well.

1.     Schedule daily homework time.

Allot time each when all other activities stop and your child must got to a study area and do homework.

2.    Tell your child what you expect.

Say, “I know you can do a better job.  I want you to take your time and do the best work you can.  Sloppy work is not acceptable.

3.    Praise your child for work well done.

Say, “Great job getting your work done,” or “I like how neat your paper looks.  Keep up the good work.”  Praise is the best way to encourage continued best efforts.

4.    Institute mandatory homework time.

This means that your child must use the entire scheduled daily homework time for homework or other academic activities.

5.    Provide additional incentives.

To help encourage your child to continue good work, give a reward or a point toward a prize each time homework is completed.

6.    Contact the teacher.

If after trying these steps your child is still not doing their best work, you can contact one of us and we will devise a plan to improve your child’s performance.

What to Do When Your Child

Refuses to Do Homework

When your child would rather battle with you than do homework, it is time to set firm limits.  Your child may openly refuse to do homework or lie to you or the teacher about why it hasn’t been done.  You must make it clear that choosing not to do homework is choosing not to enjoy certain privileges.

1. State clearly how you expect homework to be completed.

Say, “I expect you to do all of your homework every night.  Under no circumstances will I tolerate you refusing to do your assignments.”

2. Back up your words with action.

Say, “You can either choose to do your homework or lose the following privileges: (insert your child’s favorite things to do).” Stick to your demands.  It may take a couple of days for your child to realize that you mean business.

3. Praise your child when homework is completed.

Say, “You’ve been getting all of your homework done.  You should feel proud of yourself.”

4. Use a homework contract.

This motivator is a written, signed agreement between you and your child that states a reward that will be earned for each day that homework is brought home and completed.

5. Contact the teacher.

If problems continue, request that additional discipline be provided at school for incomplete assignments.  Your child will learn that the school is supporting your efforts.