Help, I'm in homework HELL!!! - View Blog Post

Help, I'm in homework HELL!!!

I'm having problems getting my kids, 6th grade and 9th grade, to do their homework! Neither one seems to think grades are important or worth working for. They are both happy with getting a C in a class and inform me that I should be happy that they arn't flunking. Both kids are smart and could do much better if they'd just turn in their homework on time. I've tried banning the Wii and Playstation for the 6th grader and taking away social time for the 9th grader, but it doesn't seem to matter! Any ideas? I'm ready to stop nagging and let them get whatever grades they get!

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Written by Therese

Posted on 10/22/2009

See all posts by Therese

Comments:

try talking to them about it, maybe they're afraid of looking "too smart" or geeky infront of their friends. the ninth grader you should especially reinforce that soon they'll have to choose what path they want to take in life and that it'll be a lot easier if they have the grades to back it up. also, maybe if the older one starts to do it, the younger one might follow suit. do they have a place to do their homework? if they don't have a "special place" to do it, take them shopping to get some stuff and make a corner in the house a personalized study place, designed by them...hope that helps

posted by Melissa on 10/23/2009

I'm afraid I've talked to them too much about college and grades providing more opportunities and choices. It's kinda hard right now to tell them to get a good education because I was given a lay off notice in May and I've only landed one job interview even though I have 13 years of experience and a Masters in Urban Planning. Yes, they have a place to do their homework. I've offered them tutoring opportunities. I've tried to read some of their texts ahead of time and then ask them questions about the info; however, I just get heavy sighs and comments that times have changed since I was a kid (I'm 44 and NOT dead quite yet, thank you!).

posted by Therese on 10/23/2009

well, i can't think of anything else...maybe they have other plans for themselves besides going to college...sorry I couldn't be of more help :(

posted by Melissa on 10/23/2009

What are their plans for their lives? What do they want to do? They are old enough to have thought about this on their own. What do they say? What are they interested in? It sounds like you have done everything you can to point out the benefits of education. Maybe coming at it from a different approach would help. You could try listening to them and hearing their answers to these questions. Neither one is a junior or senior yet; they have time to make this mistake (not taking school seriously) without it hurting them in the long run. If you listen to them and talk about future goals, they might just come the the conclusion on their own that they want to work harder to make those things happen.

posted by Ashley on 02/09/2010

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