How do I get my kids to do homework when I come home dead tired from working long hours and have other stuff?

Question

and have other stuff to do, like feeding them, laundry, the baby is being fussy, mow the lawn, fix the sink ... ?

I have created this question based on my childhood memories of what my parents went through.

Answer 1

Ah yes the dreaded homework, 2 options my friend buy an abnormally large whip.....or depending on their age, I'd say 11 and under bribe them. If older threaten with punishment, or if tired proceed to bribe. Hope it helps.

Answer 2

You're the parent which means that you are the boss. They do what you say or they don't get to do anything else. Take control. I work long hours and have to come home, do the laundry, cook dinner, clean the house etc and my son does what I say because he knows I'm the one in charge, not him. I earn the money and feed him and keep a roof over his head. He not only does his HW, but helps with the house work, laundry, dishes and garbage. If you have the kids help you with everything then you won't be so tired from doing all the work. A family should work together. You are not their slave, and they're not yours either. Working together is a big part of being a family that has been lost in the past couple generations with the "ME! ME! ME!" attitude.

Answer 3

This is what I do, I am a full-time mom of 2 and 1/2, employee and student. Even with a loved one by myside, he helps NONE! So when the kids come home from school....first thing they have to do before they want to play video games or watch tv they have to finish their homework at the kitchen table. Even if you don't be able to check it make them do it cuz you can always check later on that night when they are in the bed. If there is any mistakes then they can always fix it while eating breakfast before school. After a while they'll know that homework has to be done FIRST, Or they will be sitting at the table while their day has pasted them by!!!

Answer 4

Maybe set a time to get it done. Show them that there is a time for everything...work, play, stuff...you don't mow everyday, or fix the sink, or laundry...you spend time on your "chores" while they do their stuff. Then do things fun together...or, if they are older, they head out. If all else fails, point out the people they see everyday that blew off school...people in dead end positions, driving old nasty cars, still working at 65 in Walmart...etc...We are who we make ourselves. Good luck.

Answer 5

set up reward system/ discipline.

if they don't do it, no tv, no phone, no friends.
if they do, take them to a movie or pay an allowance.

unfortunately, the thought of losing out on something they want is going to be more of a motivation than rewards...

depending on how old the kids are, the rewards could work... make it into a game or competition, whoever gets it done first and CORRECT gets something special. better grades in school equals maybe being the boss over the other kids at home, or special priviledges

Answer 6

Reward systems are bad. You should not reward proper behavior or getting schoolwork done.

It is simply mandatory to do homework before anything else. It's good for them to have some time right after school to unwind. But when unwind time is up, that's it, homework first and nothing else until it's done. Allow for short breaks while they're doing their work. If they don't listen than start taking stuff and privledges away.

Answer 7

I started a chore chart. It helps a little. I can't say that it works wonders but it does make them accountable and they see it on their door every time they walk in their room. It cut down on the fighting over me telling them to do things over and over. Now they know. I don't have to say it over and over. I just tell them to look at their chart and do what needs to be done. Plus I get my van cleaned out on the weekends! Bonus! The best thing a parent can do is set rules and always explain everything to them. Why they have to do the work, When they have to do it, and whats going to happen if they don't.. then above all follow through! Its endless, there's no doubt. Try your best to be a good example. Good luck, your gonna need it, as will all of us parents.

Answer 8

Work up a system of rewards for work done. Say they have homework to do... If they get it done for the night, they may watch TV or do something fun with a friend. It may get hard adjusting to the restrictions that they already have free range with, but it will help them (and you) in the end! Take care.

Answer 9

If your kids get home before you, you can have them do it before you get home and then ask them to do easy stuff like watch the baby, etc. while you check on their home work.

If they get home together with you, have them do their home work while you are taking care of your chores and then they can do easy chores while you look it over.

It all depends on their age and maturity level. They need to learn as they get older to help out. You can get them to do so by rewarding them with little things- additional allowance (put into a savings, etc), a snack, tv time, mall time, etc.

These incentives will make them willing to help and take some of the stress away from you.

Good luck

Answer 10

Simple rewards and privileges should do. At the end of a work period you receive a check for all your hard work. So I would suggest the rewards of hanging out with their friends or playing games come after their accomplishment of their school work as soon as they get home. Believe it or not as they get older studying will become simpler for them, thus preparing them for college when your not around to get them to study.