How to Monitor a Child Doing Homework

Teenagers of all ages often resist doing their homework and they are experts at the art of procrastination. It is up to parents to recognize this and get them to do their homework. Remind them that if they plan to succeed in college, you will not be their to cajole them to do their work.

Things You'll Need

• Snacks
• Clock

Instructions

How to Monitor a Child Doing Homework

1. Discuss your expectations of your teen child doing his homework. Tell him explicitly that he can take 30 minutes to eat a snack, then he has to get started. If necessary, take the XBox controls and put them in a safe hiding place until he is done. Take the house phone and his cell phone away, as well. If he needs music, allow him to play the stereo.

2. Don't stay in the same room. He will feel as if you are hovering, which, of course you are. Instead, move to another room and work on your own paperwork or start dinner. Do stay close by so you can peek into the dining room or study--wherever he is doing his work. Check on him every 30 minutes.

3. Assist but do not do your child's homework for him. If he gets distracted and switches the TV on, take the remote and switch the TV back off and keep the remote until he is done. Calmly remind him to complete his homework first.

4. Continue to monitor his progress--ask to look at his paper and check the answers for correctness. If he needs encouragement, remind him how much he's gotten done and let him know he has only a little more left. If he asks to complete "the rest of my homework" after dinner, tell him it has to be done before dinner.

5. Praise your teen after he finishes his homework. Have him place it someplace where it will be easy to locate the next day for class. Check the work to make sure he has completed all of it. As you are reading his homework agenda, look ahead a few weeks and make note of upcoming assignments or projects. Discuss them with him.

Tips & Warnings

• This article is written for the parent whose child may actively avoid taking responsibility for doing and handing in homework.

• Remind yourself to take a short break, count to 10 or take several deep breaths if your teen is trying your patience.

• Stay in regular contact with your teen's school counselor and teachers.

• Do not become angry at your child when he "forgets" his assignments. Schedule an appointment with his school counselor, in full view and hearing of your child. Do the same if you catch him lying about not having any homework.