Being a parent is difficult enough, add homework to the mix and parental difficulty increases. In the majority of American household, doing homework usually presents a stressful situation for parents and children. Mom and Dad constantly nag Johnny to do his homework. However, Johnny being tired from school has no motivation to do any kind of schoolwork. Mom or Dad more times than not resort to pleadings or threats so that Johnny will do his homework. Unfortunately, instead of heeding his parents request, Johnny tunes them out and continues to watch television and play his video game.

So what now?

As a parent ask yourself the following questions. Have I provided an environment for my child that is conducive for doing homework or studying? Do I make an effort to help my child with his homework or do I just nag? Do I regularly follow up with his teachers if he is doing is homework? If you answered yes to all of these and your child still refuses to do work, then maybe there are other issues that need to be addressed. But, if you answer no to at least one of the questions read-on.

First, if you want your child to consistently do his homework, you must provide a place in your home or somewhere else that would be conducive for learning activity. In short, remove all possible objects that might provide distraction like video games, t.v., and radio. Make sure that the room is well lit and that it is well insulated from noise.

Second, if you want your child to do his homework, you need to make a commitment in helping him do his homework. In other words, you need to be close to your child when he is doing his work. You cannot be outside or somewhere else while he does his homework because the moment that you are not close by, he will certainly stop doing his homework. Let’s face it, if your child is responsible enough to do his homework without being told, then he does not need your supervision. However, since he needs that extra push to get him to do his work, then you need to be there guiding him.

The last thing you must do consistently is to establish good communication with his teachers. Your child needs to be aware that you will be consistent in checking with his teacher whether his homework is turned in or not. Do not wait until the teacher calls you and informs you that your child is not doing his homework. Remember that the average teacher has at least over 100 students to track daily. As a result you may not hear about your child’s progress until the Parent Teacher Conference, which is usually 6 weeks later. So in other words, you have to be the number one advocate for your child when comes to his education.

Based on my experience as a teacher, students with clear academic expectations at home usually do well when it comes to homework. If you consistently employ these strategies early on in your child’s academic career, I am confident that they will carry this habit when they go to middle school and high school. Thus, giving them academic success which they can build upon throughout their lives.

One last thing, no matter how difficult the struggle is, you need to show your child that you will always be there to guide him and help him. Your assurance is the most important confidence booster that your child will receive.