How can I make my 13 year old son do his homework?

Answer 1

im 13 and my mom makes me sit down straight from school to do it and then im allowed out

Answer 2

Hey, I'm a father of three and, because I work out of the house, I am responsible for this.

First thing, he needs to understand that doing his homework is an obligation to the family, just the same as taking out the garbage or doing yardwork or making up his bed. That means that homework always comes first: Before the GameBoy, before having fun with friends, and before any other extracurricular activities. I always ask my kids, "What comes first?" And my children respond "homework." They may not like it, but they understand it.

Second, you have to realize that you are as responsible for his behavior as he is. Therefore, that you be consistent. You cannot expect him to do his homework two or three days, and then leave him to his own devices. It has to be a daily reminder, not just about homework but about upcoming tests as well. Don't yell. Just make it part of your expectations. And tell him up front about the consequences of not doing his assignements.

Third, you need to be in touch with teachers about missing assignments. Most schools today allow teachers to post assignments online so you can check up on your kids.

Fourth, decide what will happen if he doesn't do his work. Take away the XBox or the GameBoy. Take him off the team. Do whatever it takes. But do not allow his failure to do homework go unpunished.

Five. NO TELEVISION OR COMPUTER GAMES DURING THE SCHOOLWEEK. I know this sounds awful. But the second your son comes home and plugs into the idiot box, it becomes very difficult for him to wrench himself away to do his assignments. What's more, after you get through the terrible withdrawal stage, you'll find that your child probably becomes more sociable with you.

One other thing. I've read some responses here about incentives for doing homework. DON'T DO THAT. It's terrible advice. Because you are essentially bribing your child to do what he's supposed to do in the first place. It gets back to expectations. If you expect your child to do his job, then chances are he will do it. But if you get into situation where you're rewarding a child for doing homework, you get into a no-win situation where he keeps upping the ante, and then refuses to do his homework in order to manipulate you into giving him what he wants.

So there's my advice. Whatever you do, make certain that he understands homework is his most important task. And be absolutely consistent about rewards and consequences for the first two months. After several months of him staying on task, then you can ease up a bit.

Answer 3

If someone can give every parent the one answer that will work for all of them then they are the true miracle worker. Kids, parents and homework usually go together like water, oil and molasses. Usually what I ask parents to do is find a productive activity that interests their child (ie. sports, art, drama, dance, reading, etc...) and encourage it wholeheartedly. The activity, although very important can only take place after all homework has been completed. Try to be there when your child is doing their homework, and encourage the process of education and show them the benefits.

Answer 4

I have a 13 year old son and have the same problem. He's the last of four kids and the most frustrating.....
The only way I can get him to do his, is take away his game systems, and sometimes his t.v. It's awful that I have to even go that far....why not just do it. He has to fight me on everything. And he doesn't usually win so I don't understand what his problem is. I think he purposely likes to drive me crazy........
A LOT of times I have to do his homework with him. Especially when it comes to book reports........arhhgggggg....! !
Good luck with your son, I know I need it at times...
Goodaytoyou ! ! !

Answer 5

Make him exchange doing homework for things that he takes for granted. The phone (cell if he has one) computer, allowance, hanging out with his friends, cable TV. Let him know he has to earn his way through life and it's not going to get any easier. School is the easiest thing. And if that doesn't work, I would just sit with him until he does it. Be tough and aggressive, I have a 13 yo girl. UGH, she drives me crazy sometimes, but I told her she can have some of my tips every Fri/Sat if she got her grades up. If not then she has no $$ for anything. Good LUCK!

Answer 6

There are two ways. First is create interest in him for doing the homework and he would love to do it without avoiding . Second is make him feel proud that he does the homework on his own initiative and that good performance in studies will give him success in life always. Children accept good parental advise it put across at the wave length they can relate, understand and appreciate.

Answer 7

You can't make him do his homework, but you can offer incentives or propositions! How about giving him a reason to do or finish his work assignments? Perhaps hold something important to him to work towards as a reward or even as a consequence for not doing his work. You can't move a wagon unless you give it some round wheels, which always seems to make the task alot easier and enjoyable! Good luck!

Answer 8

Rewards for doing his homework and punishment for not doing his homework. As for punishment, everyone thinks spankings work, but if you ask me, he's a bit old for that. Find out what he loves the best -- TV, video games, time with friends and take it away. Most importantly -- be consistant. If you tell him no video games for 2 days, stick to it. If you don't he won't take you seriously and will not conform to your rules.

Answer 9

the best way to do this is to first, when he comes home from school, ask him nicely to do it, if he won't, without yelling, go and take his playstation (nintendo, ipod, tv, laptop, etc whatever you want) then when he asks you where it is, tell him that you've taken it in exchange for his homework, when he does his homework, he'll get it back, but, if he doesn't do it the next day, you'll take it again. the most important part of this is DONT YELL. dont make a big deal out of it, if he yells or gets mad, stay strong, just dont get mads back.

Answer 10

Make his perks go away.
Take away his iPod, his computer, his TV.
Say he'll get them back if he does his homework.
Do all this in a neutral tone of voice and attitude, without lecturing, and don't get sucked into an argument.
Keep it simple.

You don't want to start rewarding him for doing what is expected, or he'll be blackmailing you for it! Rewards should be for doing things over and above what is expected. His only reward here should be getting his recreational activities back.

Answer 11

try the rewards and punishment method, if he does his homework offer him like a coupon (made by you) that grants him the chance of not doing a certain chore or buy him a game or something. but if he doesnt do his homework, punish him by taking his games away and making him eat all the nasty vegetables.