Teenagers, homework and studying to get A+
Most teens need no help doing things that they are interested in, be it gaming, shopping, or hanging with friends. But when it comes to homework, giving them a push can mean the difference between a zero and an A+. Here are a few tips to help you motivate your teen.
Here are some basic rules to help your teenagers manage their time better and get on top of that pile of homework each night:
Make them start homework or study
This seems obvious, but it is not as simple as you may think. Instead of telling him/her to "go start your homework," bring them to the computer or their work space and sit down next to them. Don't give up and walk away. Just sit there, next to them and violating their personal space until they open their notebook or laptop and start their work. Watch to make sure that really start. Sometimes, it is that simple push that they need. Once they are on a roll, you can walk away and let them continue.
Use positive guidance techniques
Teens can feel loved "conditionally," which means that they only think you approve of them when they do a good job. This can lead to depression and bitterness. Try to be as positive as possible. If a teen comes up to you and tells you something really terrible, like they failed a unit test or something, understands. It took a lot of courage for them to work up the nerve to tell you this, the cooler you are with it, the more likely they are to come and talk with you on a regular basis.
TV only at certain times
Decide together when study time will be and agree that there will be no TVs turned on during that time. If you have an older student who is easily distracted by TV and some younger kids, this may mean that the younger ones need to do something else instead of watching telly so the older child can get their work done. This rule may be hugely unpopular but it’s your home and you make the rules – and this is one of the best ones because TV can be a real distraction for children of all ages. Perhaps the younger ones could tidy their toys, do some housework, bake some muffins, or fold the laundry? In your dreams?
No phones during homework time
Tell the kids that their mobile phones will be turned off and the landline will be answered by Mum or Dad and messages taken. If phone calls are necessary during study time at least keep them short. After homework is done they’ll have oodles of time to chat and TXT.
No Facebook, messaging or Skype
This could be hard to monitor but make it a rule and remove privileges if the rule is broken. Remind them it’s against the rules at work and at school to do social networking, so it should be no biggie applying the same rule at home. Also, remind the kids that doing it during homework time will only drag out the time spent at their desk.
Music on or off while they do their homework
Many people work well to music, especially with headphones, while others find it drives them nuts. Discuss this with your child and come up with a music rule that favours getting the homework done as efficiently as possible.
Discuss consequences
If they are planning on going out with friends, don't nag them to get the homework done before hand, but let them know that if they fail any assignments, they will not hang with friends outside of school for a week. The same applies if they want to do something like go skateboarding or something like that. Allow them to go, but with conditions
