What to do when your child will not do homework if you are not home

If your child will not do homework unless a parent is home, take these steps.

1.     State that you expect homework to be done whether you are home or not.

2.     Schedule daily homework time.

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

3.     Tell the person responsible for child care about daily homework time. 

The caregiver should know when and where your child is expected to do homework.

4.     Monitor your child when you are home to make sure homework is done.

Telephone your child, if possible, at the beginning and at the end of daily homework time to make sure the homework is getting done.

5.     Give praise and positive support.

Praise your child for work done in your absence.  “You’re doing a great job on homework when I am not here.  Keep it up!”

6.     Use additional incentives, if necessary.

A homework contract can help your child develop the habit of doing homework without your supervison.  It should state: that homework will be done whether you are home or not; the amount of time for completing homework; the number of points earned for completing homework; the reward earned when a certain number of points is attained.

7.  Back up your words with action.

     Say, “You can do homework during daily homework time or you

     can choose not to have privileges.  You will sit there until

     homework is finished.”  Make sure you follow through.

8.     Contact the teacher.

If the problem persists, discuss the possibility of imposing loss of privileges at school so that your child knows you and the teacher are working together to help your child behave responsibility.

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