Neglecting Homework
Children who repeatedly fail to complete the homework they have been set at school, will sooner or later start to lag behind their peers. Teachers who notice that a pupil is neglecting his homework usually report this to the parents in the hope this will ensure that the child does what is expected. If this standard solution does not achieve the desired results, you could consider adopting an alternative approach.
Regardless of whether you are the child’s teacher or their parent, say that you wish to talk to him about his homework. Any child in this situation will normally expect either criticism or a scolding, but refrain from engaging him in this way.
Show understanding for their situation
Start the conversation by telling them you are certain they want to perform better in connection with their homework. Tell them you understand how it’s difficult to make time for homework because there are always so many much more interesting things to do or think about.
Teachers who notice that a pupil is neglecting his homework usually report this to the parents in the hope this will ensure that the child does what is expected.
Treat them in the way you would treat an expert
Ask them to think about what could help them perform better. Assume that they will have at least some thoughts about what could help them improve how they take care of doing their homework.
Things you can say
- what could help you improve how you do your homework?
- how could your classmates help you take care of your homework?
- is there some way I can help you perform better?
- I’m sure your teacher would like to help you in some way. what could that be?
- who else could help you ensure that all your homework gets done?
- which is the best place for you to do your homework: at school, at home, at a friend’s house, maybe somewhere else?
- how would you benefit by taking better care of doing your homework? what would make doing it good for you?
- would it help to put a mark in the calendar every time you take care of your homework? could that be helpful?
- would you like to celebrate together in some way when you’ve succeeded in taking good care of your homework for a week?
- can you think of better ways for us to support you?
- can you change how you do your homework so you enjoy it more?
- how about doing your homework together with one or two of your classmates? would that help?
Synopsis
If your child repeatedly neglects to do his homework, refrain from scolding him or asking him why. When you talk to him, approach him as if he is an expert who knows how the problem could be solved, someone who already has plenty of ideas about how his parents, family members or friends can help him ensure he does what is expected of them.
This article is owned by: Kids’Skills http://www.kidsskillsapp.com/
