Q&A for How to Get Your Kids to Do Their Homework

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How can I get my child to focus on homework?

Klare Heston, LCSW
Licensed Social Worker
Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).

Klare Heston, LCSW

Licensed Social Worker

Expert Answer

It always helps to set aside a certain time of day for homework. Have it be a regular part of the daily routine at home. You can include your child in the actual time frame, but make sure it makes sense. You can also plan a small 'treat' afterward to give your child something to look forward to. But never use bribery--it always backfires.

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Question

How do I get my child to do homework without doing it for them?

Klare Heston, LCSW
Licensed Social Worker
Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).

Klare Heston, LCSW

Licensed Social Worker

Expert Answer

You need to make your expectation very clear that you can be there for any explanation, but that your child is to do the work themselves. If you have been doing it, you must stop and give an appropriate explanation.

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How can parents help their child with homework?

Klare Heston, LCSW
Licensed Social Worker
Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).

Klare Heston, LCSW

Licensed Social Worker

Expert Answer

Parents can ask if the child understands the assignment. You can ask them to explain what is to be done. If they don't get it, read the assignment directions yourself and explain it to them. Many schools have online homework instructions available.

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How can I encourage my child to study?

Klare Heston, LCSW
Licensed Social Worker
Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).

Klare Heston, LCSW

Licensed Social Worker

Expert Answer

You can reinforce that you will be checking their homework, thereby building in an expectation. But make sure that you follow through. Depending on your child's age, you may want to explain the importance of education later in life—like getting into college or finding a job. Also, make sure they have a good environment for studying.

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Question

How do I get my child to put more effort into his work?

Klare Heston, LCSW
Licensed Social Worker
Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).

Klare Heston, LCSW

Licensed Social Worker

Expert Answer

Stay abreast of your child's schoolwork. Become aware of the types of assignments they receive. Be prepared to explain to your child when their efforts meet the requirement, and when it falls short. Your child may follow suit if you take homework seriously, and yet do not hound or blame them. Good luck!

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My child is six and has weekly homework. Any advice specifically for children of this age?

Klare Heston, LCSW
Licensed Social Worker
Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).

Klare Heston, LCSW

Licensed Social Worker

Expert Answer

Pay attention to how you structure homework time and supplies in your home. Remind the child that procrastinating cuts into their screen time or social time.

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