You don’t want to turn your home into a classroom, and you don’t want homework to feel like an uphill battle. On the other hand, without support, a child won’t learn how to learn or develop independence. Children grow at their own pace, but in the direction guided by their parents. So, throughout the school year, a common question arises: how to motivate kids to do homework?
Should You Do Homework Together with Your Child?
Helping with motivation is a parent’s task. Doing homework together with your child – or doing it for them – is definitely not the solution.
Why Does a Child Refuse to Do School Work?
The resistance you encounter when asking, “Do your homework,” can have many causes. Start by trying to understand them. Once you identify the root of the problem, you’ll naturally find what to do about it. A child refusing to do schoolwork is not trying to upset their parents or acting on principle – they are likely experiencing an emotion they don’t know how to express. The resistance you see may be a symptom that:
-
The task seems too big or too long, and it needs to be broken down into smaller, manageable chunks or scheduled in smaller time blocks.
-
They don’t know where to start and need additional explanation of the topic.
-
The child is tired or hungry – basic needs must be met first.
So, the first step in answering how to get a kid to do homework is to explore why the child refuses to do schoolwork, which for them may feel like an insurmountable obstacle.
How to Get a Kid to Do Homework? Two Effective Approaches
There are several proven homework motivation strategies you can try – either together or choosing the one that works best for your child.
1. Establish a Clear Routine
A consistent daily schedule and a designated space can reduce resistance even before it starts. The time for homework should be tailored individually: night owls may do better after dinner, early risers may prefer morning before classes start. The child should clearly understand the time frame for completing homework. This gives a sense of predictability and structure. Even if they don’t want to do it, they know that a specific time is dedicated to homework.
2. Set Up a Reward System
If grades alone aren’t motivating enough, you can gamify the process and offer additional rewards. Child psychologists recommend non-material rewards, so homework doesn’t become a transaction where parents constantly “buy” completed tasks.
Instead, make the reward emotionally enjoyable: a walk together, a trip to the zoo or science museum, or family time playing board games on weekends or evenings. You can also implement a point system – children earn points for grades or completed assignments, and points can be exchanged for extra video game time, for example.
Homework Tips That Work
Helping children complete their homework doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. With the right strategies and small adjustments, you can make the process smoother, more structured, and even motivating for your child.
Prepare the Space
For some children, a bedroom works fine, while others do better with fewer distractions – for example, at a dedicated desk or a kitchen table. The key is to create a homework station that is both comfortable and distraction-free. Make sure all the necessary supplies – pencils, paper, and books – are easily accessible so they don't have an excuse to get up and wander off. A well-prepared space is one of the most effective homework tips you can implement.
Break Down the Task into Smaller, Manageable Chunks
When a student looks at a huge list of everything they need to do, it can be intimidating and frustrating. This can cause a child refuses to do school work and begins to procrastinate. One of the best ways to combat this is to break down the homework into manageable parts. For example, write down all the tasks that need to be done, divide them into smaller blocks, and schedule short breaks in between. This makes the work feel less daunting and builds a sense of accomplishment with each completed step.
The "Eat the Frog" Method
This piece of advice comes from modern self-development books. The idea is to tackle the most difficult task first – the one they're most dreading. Once that “frog” is eaten, the rest of the assignments will feel much easier in comparison. This method helps build resilience and teaches them to face challenges head-on.
The Pomodoro Method
Another tip from the world of time management: divide the time allocated for homework into segments. The child works for a solid 15-20 minutes, then takes a 5-10 minute break, and then returns to their work. This method prevents burnout and keeps their mind fresh and focused.
Positive Reinforcement
Even the most reluctant student can surprise you. Maybe they tried really hard on a math problem, or their essay, while containing mistakes, has a brilliant idea at its core. When you check their homework, point out the positive moments – the things they did really well and can be proud of. When a child receives praise for their work, they get a boost of motivation. They start to believe that homework is something they can handle, and they’ll receive approval from their parents (and later, from their teachers). Positive reinforcement works even with adults – so it's even more effective with kids.
The "First 10 Minutes" Rule
If a child refuses to do school work, a great way to start is to agree on a short, manageable time frame. Say, "Let's just work for 10 minutes, and then you can take a break." This lowers the barrier to entry, and often, once they get started, they’ll want to keep going.
Talk to Your Child
Sometimes, a child refuses to do school work due to more significant issues than just a simple "I don't want to." They may be facing difficult situations at school, problems with friends or classmates, or conflicts with teachers. If you've tried different methods and they still aren't working, you need to look for a deeper problem.
A Few More Homework Tips, Especially for Parents
When a child refuses to do school work, or you have to spend a long time convincing them, there's a temptation to just do it for them. It's quicker, and the child is happy because they get to rest longer. However, in these moments, remind yourself: "I was a student once, and this is my child's experience. This is their journey. These are the difficulties they need to learn to overcome." It's true that a student needs to gradually learn responsibility and independence, but as strange as it may sound, they can't learn this "on their own."
When a child is allowed to give up on something that is difficult, they learn a new behavior pattern: "If it's too hard, I just won't do it. I can just opt out of this, and that's it." You don't have to do the work for your child, but you must make it clear: not doing homework from school is not an option.
Having overly high expectations for your child is also not helpful. How to get a kid to do homework if they are afraid they won't meet the standards you expect? Remember that your child doesn't have to be a straight-A student, be the best at everything, or have perfect handwriting. Don't demand perfection – instead, support their curiosity.
Each situation, when a child refuses to do school work, must be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the child's character and other factors. Nevertheless, a solution can always be found.
