Parents can go from 0 to 60 in a split second over their teens’ lack of motivation to complete homework. In your mind, completing homework and chores are your child’s responsibilities. ‘Just do it’ is your position on the topic. Add the fact that most parents believe they are somehow responsible for the choices their children make – and the battles begin!
From a child’s point of view, there are many more exciting things to do after school than completing homework and studying for tests. Parents try lectures, behavior plans, rewards, punishments, and even shouting out things that are later regretted. We’ve all been frustrated with this back and forth war! Sadly, the more parents try to control the situation, the more resistance they face from teens who are all about gaining independence.
When children and teens refuse to step up to their responsibilities, buttons are pushed for the parents. Some parents become fearful that their children won’t be successful in life. This is often followed by feelings of guilt about their parenting skills. Other times, parents are flat out angry that they can’t get their children to comply. It is important for parents to recognize that these are their own feelings. Just as teens are choosing how to feel and behave, parents can choose to feel and behave differently.
How? In 7 Ways to Stop the Parent-Child Power Struggle Over Homework, the author provides practical tips to help parents end the homework wars. (Scroll down to go straight to the tips!)
"As long as you believe you are accountable (or to blame) for your child’s outcome, you are under her control." Debbie Pincus
From a child’s point of view, there are many more exciting things to do after school than completing homework and studying for tests. Parents try lectures, behavior plans, rewards, punishments, and even shouting out things that are later regretted. We’ve all been frustrated with this back and forth war! Sadly, the more parents try to control the situation, the more resistance they face from teens who are all about gaining independence.
When children and teens refuse to step up to their responsibilities, buttons are pushed for the parents. Some parents become fearful that their children won’t be successful in life. This is often followed by feelings of guilt about their parenting skills. Other times, parents are flat out angry that they can’t get their children to comply. It is important for parents to recognize that these are their own feelings. Just as teens are choosing how to feel and behave, parents can choose to feel and behave differently.
How? In 7 Ways to Stop the Parent-Child Power Struggle Over Homework, the author provides practical tips to help parents end the homework wars. (Scroll down to go straight to the tips!)
"As long as you believe you are accountable (or to blame) for your child’s outcome, you are under her control." Debbie Pincus
