Establishing Homework Rules for Teens

Address Concerns

• In a perfect world, your teen would go straight to her desk and finish her homework without complaining or stalling. Her assignments would all be turned in on time and completed correctly. For most parents, the reality is not so pleasant. Look at the problem areas your teen has when completing her homework. Forgetting her materials, not writing down assignments or failing to turn in the completed work are common issues. Other teens have trouble sitting down and focusing on the work or just don't want to think about school at home. Use your teen's problem areas as a guide for creating the homework rules. For a teen who is easily distracted, a possible rule is no TV, cell phones or other handheld devices on during study time.

Talk With Your Teen

• Getting your teen involved in setting the homework rules gives her ownership and may encourage her to stick with the expectations. Ask for her perspective on where she needs work and what type of rules would motivate her at study time. Your teen will likely have input on when she wants to do her homework and where she is most comfortable working. Discuss the possibility of studying at the library or a friend's house.

Decide on the Details

• Your list of rules breaks down the who, when and where of homework time. Some teens study well with peers, but others get distracted or socialize the entire time. Spell out who is allowed to come over during homework time. Decide exactly when your teen needs to do her homework -- whether that means right after school, after dinner or at another specified time. Include rules on taking breaks and deadlines for completing assignments. For example, you might say a major project needs to be finished at last two days before it is due. The location is a factor for some teens. She may want to study in her room for privacy, but she is surrounded by distractions and may use the privacy to text with friends or waste time.

Implement the Rules

• A list of rules only works if you follow through and implement them consistently with your teen. Posting the homework rules near your teen's study area serves as a reminder of your expectations for her study time. A clearly written list of rules also takes the guesswork out of the expectations if you aren't around at study time. For example, if your spouse isn't normally around when your teen does homework, he can refer to the list if he does make it home for study time some days. The National Association of School Psychologists suggests creating a homework contract with your teen. The contract defines the expectations for your child -- much like the list of rules -- but presents it as a contract she signs and agrees to follow.