subject: Child Behavior - Tips To Help You Get Through The Homework Battle And Win! [print this page] Child Behavior - Tips To Help You Get Through The Homework Battle And Win!
If your child or teenager just flatly refuses to do homework, you are probably dreading the next note or call from the teacher. Homework with all its problems is probably one of the more tricky areas of child behavior that we have to deal with. Here are some tips to help you get through the homework battle and win.
The first thing to do is actually to set a planned time for homework and tell the child that is when the homework has to be done. This will help in establishing a routine or structure so that all the other things that follow are less of a priority.
If the homework is actually done, then a reward or privilege, established and agreed on beforehand, can be given. It is important NOT to be present while homework is being done as a nagging presence is the last thing the teenager wants.
If your teenager still refuses to do the homework at that set time, then a consequence or a withdrawal of a privilege is carried out and there is no argument.
In children and teenagers who are suffering from ODD, oppositional defiance disorder, it is very important to give them a choice such as the one I have outlined above. They can choose whether or not to do the homework. They know the rewards or consequences so the presence of a nagging parent is not necessary.
Another tip is to try and draw up a homework contract with the older children. Because they can include all their pet hates that really irritate them, this is quite appealing. Parents like it too because they can insist on limits, times, and all the rewards and privileges and consequences are clearly set out so if there is any argument, the contract can be referred to. A certain leeway can be built into the contract as regards computer time, TV or whatever as long as the bottom line, which is homework getting done, is adhered to.
Another tip is to make sure that breaks are built into the homework time and that healthy snacks are given instead of junk food. That helps in establishing healthier eating habits too. Snacking on junk food is another aspect of child behavior which I will deal with in another article.
So, there you have it. What is your plan of action now? Are you having other problems relating to child behavior such as defiance, answering back and downright refusal to cooperate? If you are, I recommend that you visit my website where you can find lots of advice and a great behavioral therapy program which will really help you to get your happy family life back again.
