Day 6 Studies:

6. Studies:

One of the biggest areas of tension between parents/carers and their teen is the area of homework. Parents/ carers understandably want their children to do well at school as they feel that this increases the likelihood of them getting good jobs and a comfortable future. Their teen may be less enthusiastic about their studies. Homework can be very dull and repetitive. It competes against other more interesting pastimes such as going out, communicating with friends via social media and playing computer games.

The most effective way forward is to discuss the issue with your teen at a time when you are both feeling calm and communicative. Be honest with them, explain why you think homework is so important and listen to their objections. It will be possible to negotiate a fair compromise with them once you know what they would rather be doing. It may be that you can agree that they will work hard and without distraction for an agreed amount of time on certain days a week and in return for them applying themselves, they can have an agreed number of days off from homework.

It can be effective to offer them incentives such as extra pocket money for positive school reports and it can also be beneficial to link the receipt of pocket money to the successful completion of homework.

If you find that your teen remains resistant to completing homework, it is important to check that the homework isn't too difficult for them. Sometimes teens refuse homework because they do not understand the task. If this is the case you can communicate with their teacher and explain the difficulty so that they are provided with tasks that they are capable of completing.

Once you are certain that the work is achievable then you can set your expectations. Let your teen know how much work you expect them to do and stick to it. You can provide incentives that encourage them to complete the work as well as sanctions if they fail to do so.

If you remain calm and firm they are likely to realise that they need to complete the work. If you keep changing your mind then they will be able to exploit this and fail to complete the work agreed.

Striking the balance with homework can feel a but like riding a roller coaster!