• EXPLORE Random Article

How to Motivate Teenagers to Do Their Homework

Last Updated: February 8, 2021

This article was co-authored by Klare Heston, LCSW . Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR). This article has been viewed 171,688 times.

It is pretty common for teenagers to hate doing homework. They would much rather hang out with their friends or play video games. This can be very frustrating to parents. Fortunately, there are many things to help your teenager be more motivated and even enthusiastic to complete their homework.

Providing Structure

Step 1 Create the right environment.

  • Doing homework at the kitchen table or a desk in the office or living room will provide them with enough space to complete their work.

Step 2 Set a consistent homework time.

  • For example, your teen has baseball practice immediately following school. He doesn’t get home until 5:00. Your family eats dinner at 6:00. So, the best time for him to complete his homework is at 7:00.

Step 3 Give them tools to stay organized.

  • Ask your child’s teacher for recommendations on a good tutor in your area.

Step 5 Make studying fun.

  • For example, if your teenager is having a hard time understanding geometry but understands basketball, consider taking a geometry lesson to the basketball court. Help your teenager understand different triangles by using your bodies and the basketball hoop to represent the different corners of a triangle. What happens to the triangle if one of you step further away from the basketball hoop?
  • Watch an interesting historical movie or documentary about a topic that your child is learning in history class.

Be a Presence at School

Step 1 Make a presence at their school.

  • Schedule a parent/teacher conference.
  • If your job or schedule doesn’t allow you to actively participate, be sure to attend at least one conference yearly and stay up to date with the school newsletter.

Step 2 Collaborate with your teen.

  • For example, your teenager just received their midterm grade in math and they have a D. They have three weeks to bring their grade up before their next report card. Have a conversation with your teen by asking them what they need to do to bring their grade up. If they say that they need to study more, suggest that they bring home their math book each day and spend at least 30 minutes studying what they went over in class that day.
  • Ask your teenager if they have any missed assignments or tests.

Step 3 Provide reminders.

  • Consider using technology to set reminders for your teenager. Set calendar reminders on your phone and sync it to their phone. There are also several family management apps that may help.

Achieving Goals

Step 1 Help your teen set goals.

  • For example, a short-term academic goal may be to raise their history grade from a C to an B this grading period. A long-term goal may be to eliminating C’s from their report card or getting a few A’s in their strongest subjects.
  • Have the teenager write them down and evaluate progress as the semester continues.

Step 2 Give them incentives.

  • Pay them for their report cards. Pay a set dollar amount per A on your teenager’s report card.
  • Offer them a weekly allowance for staying on track with their schoolwork. Treat their schoolwork as a real job. If they do their job, they get paid.
  • Consider extending their weekend curfew as a reward for improved grades on their report card.

Step 3 Help your teenager see the bigger picture.

  • Be prepared to answer questions like, “Why do I need to learn algebra? I don’t want to be a math teacher and no one else uses algebra every day.” Give them clear examples of the algebra that you use every day, like when you pay your bills or do your taxes.

Step 4 Offer them encouragement.

  • Instead of saying, “Great job on your science fair project!” say something like, “Look at that science project! I can tell that you spent a lot of time making it look so great. Doesn’t it feel good to get such a good grade?”

Expert Q&A

Klare Heston, LCSW

  • Give them the space that they need to achieve success on their own. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Support them throughout their school career. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Teenagers with special needs like ADHD may need modifications to how they do their homework, such as playing music in the background. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Your teenager may fail. Let them learn from this. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

Ask for Feedback

  • ↑ https://www.verywell.com/tips-on-getting-teens-to-do-their-homework-2606505
  • ↑ http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/school-help-teens.html?WT.ac=p-ra#
  • ↑ https://understandingteenagers.com.au/the-7-secrets-of-motivating-teenagers/
  • ↑ https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/end-the-nightly-homework-struggle-5-homework-strategies-that-work-for-kids/#

About this article

Klare Heston, LCSW

Reader Success Stories

Anonymous

Oct 8, 2017

Did this article help you?

Anonymous

  • About wikiHow
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info

CollegeBasics

5 Ways to Encourage Students to do Their Homework When They Don’t Want to

Bored and Tired Student after hard work. Isolated on the White Background

Many parents find that keeping their kids motivated to do their homework regularly is a challenging task. After all, very few kids want to spend the rest of their day in front of a pile of books after spending 6 to 7 hours in class. What’s more, there are so many distractions in this day and age, from the internet to video games. This is not even counting daily tasks such as chores and meals. Some parents try and go the extra mile and get outside help for their children. Some parents hire a private tutor while others will use an online homework helper to assist their kids in doing their homework. However, it’s not always enough to help motivate them.

If you’re a parent who is having trouble getting your kids to focus on their homework, here are some tips that you can use:

1. Give Them Some Breathing Space

When your children come home from school, they are most likely tired, hungry, and in need of some time to relax and recharge. It’s not going to be good for them if you immediately jump on their case and tell them to do their homework from the moment they step in.

Allowing your child to have a short break when they come home will give them that time to relax and recharge. What’s more, it’s important not to dictate how your child wants to spend this break. They can take a nap, get something to eat, or even browse the internet for a while before they have to buckle down and start working.

2. Provide a Structured Schedule

Giving your child a schedule when they get home can be beneficial . It not only gives them a sense of stability and security, but they also learn how to properly manage their time and allocate their hours.

Keep in mind that the schedule you first create might not be the best! It will take some time before you and your child adjust to the right schedule and you might need to tweak it along the day. It will also be important for your child to be able to have some say in making that schedule. Letting them feel that they are important and that their voice is heard will help give your child self-confidence.

3. Do as You Preach

When it comes to doing homework, the best thing for you to do is to lead by example. If you tell them to focus on their work and then go and do something that’s purely for leisure, it will send the wrong message.

Let your child know that you are working alongside them. Get a chore done around the house, or get some early work done for your office.

4. Provide Motivation

When it comes to doing homework, positive reinforcement will always work better compared to negative reinforcement. After all, doing homework is often already something negative in their mind, and if you compound that negativity by being overbearing, authoritarian, or overly strict about them doing homework, it might cause your child to become even more resistant to doing their homework.

Showing appreciation and encouragement is a great way to make your child motivated to do their homework, especially if you notice that your child is doing their homework on their own. This shows that you notice their hard work and effort and that you are acknowledging their efforts.

Motivation doesn’t always have to mean a physical or financial reward! Even something as simple as praise for homework done well and on time can motivate a student into doing their homework .

5. Let them Vent Out

Just like you, most students can experience stress, anxiety, and frustration at school. However, they don’t always know how to express it properly, and in some cases, they might even be afraid to vent out their negative emotions because they are afraid of how their parents will react.

It is important that you show them you are providing them with a safe and accepting space where they can air out their frustrations and negative emotions without fear of repercussions. Of course, you need to teach them how to properly communicate their negative emotions without them being destructive or harmful. Providing them with an avenue for open and honest communication will allow them to properly process their feelings, as well as become relaxed and less stressed.

For more great education tips, check out the other blogs on College Basics .

You may also like

helpful-college-hints-tips

Seven Ways to Make your College Essay Stand Out

Australian and American flag blended together

8 Differences Between Aussie and American Schools

how to get someone to do their homework

Top 5 Most Difficult IB (International Baccalaureate) Subjects

college-application-tips

Benefits of Campus Living: Do Students Living on Campus do...

hand of accounting student touching tablet

8 Reasons Why You Should Study Accounting Degrees

how to get someone to do their homework

8 Best Essay Writing Services According to Reddit and Quora

About the author.

how to get someone to do their homework

CB Community

Passionate members of the College Basics community that include students, essay writers, consultants and beyond. Please note, while community content has passed our editorial guidelines, we do not endorse any product or service contained in these articles which may also include links for which College Basics is compensated.

PrepScholar

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the 5 best homework help websites (free and paid).

author image

Other High School , General Education

body-homework-chalkboard

Listen: we know homework isn’t fun, but it is a good way to reinforce the ideas and concepts you’ve learned in class. But what if you’re really struggling with your homework assignments?

If you’ve looked online for a little extra help with your take-home assignments, you’ve probably stumbled across websites claiming to provide the homework help and answers students need to succeed . But can homework help sites really make a difference? And if so, which are the best homework help websites you can use? 

Below, we answer these questions and more about homework help websites–free and paid. We’ll go over: 

  • The basics of homework help websites
  • The cost of homework help websites 
  • The five best homework websites out there 
  • The pros and cons of using these websites for homework help 
  • The line between “learning” and “cheating” when using online homework help 
  • Tips for getting the most out of a homework help website

So let’s get started! 

exclamation-point-g8c97d47db_640

The Basics About Homework Help Websites–Free and Paid

Homework help websites are designed to help you complete your homework assignments, plain and simple. 

What Makes a Homework Help Site Worth Using

Most of the best sites allow users to ask questions and then provide an answer (or multiple possible answers) and explanation in seconds. In some instances, you can even send a photo of a particular assignment or problem instead of typing the whole thing out! 

Homework help sites also offer more than just help answering homework questions. Common services provided are Q&A with experts, educational videos, lectures, practice tests and quizzes, learning modules, math solving tools, and proofreading help. Homework help sites can also provide textbook solutions (i.e. answers to problems in tons of different textbooks your school might be using), one-on-one tutoring, and peer-to-peer platforms that allow you to discuss subjects you’re learning about with your fellow students. 

And best of all, nearly all of them offer their services 24/7, including tutoring! 

What You Should Should Look Out For

When it comes to homework help, there are lots–and we mean lots –of scam sites out there willing to prey on desperate students. Before you sign up for any service, make sure you read reviews to ensure you’re working with a legitimate company. 

A word to the wise: the more a company advertises help that veers into the territory of cheating, the more likely it is to be a scam. The best homework help websites are going to help you learn the concepts you’ll need to successfully complete your homework on your own. (We’ll go over the difference between “homework help” and “cheating” a little later!) 

body-gold-piggy-bank-money

You don't need a golden piggy bank to use homework help websites. Some provide low or no cost help for students like you!

How Expensive Are the Best Homework Help Websites?

First of all, just because a homework help site costs money doesn’t mean it’s a good service. Likewise, just because a homework help website is free doesn’t mean the help isn’t high quality. To find the best websites, you have to take a close look at the quality and types of information they provide! 

When it comes to paid homework help services, the prices vary pretty widely depending on the amount of services you want to subscribe to. Subscriptions can cost anywhere from $2 to $150 dollars per month, with the most expensive services offering several hours of one-on-one tutoring with a subject expert per month.

The 5 Best Homework Help Websites 

So, what is the best homework help website you can use? The answer is that it depends on what you need help with. 

The best homework help websites are the ones that are reliable and help you learn the material. They don’t just provide answers to homework questions–they actually help you learn the material. 

That’s why we’ve broken down our favorite websites into categories based on who they’re best for . For instance, the best website for people struggling with math might not work for someone who needs a little extra help with science, and vice versa. 

Keep reading to find the best homework help website for you! 

Best Free Homework Help Site: Khan Academy

  • Price: Free!
  • Best for: Practicing tough material 

Not only is Khan Academy free, but it’s full of information and can be personalized to suit your needs. When you set up your account , you choose which courses you need to study, and Khan Academy sets up a personal dashboard of instructional videos, practice exercises, and quizzes –with both correct and incorrect answer explanations–so you can learn at your own pace. 

As an added bonus, it covers more course topics than many other homework help sites, including several AP classes.

Runner Up: Brainly.com offers a free service that allows you to type in questions and get answers and explanations from experts. The downside is that you’re limited to two answers per question and have to watch ads. 

Best Paid Homework Help Site: Chegg

  • Price: $14.95 to $19.95 per month
  • Best for: 24/7 homework assistance  

This service has three main parts . The first is Chegg Study, which includes textbook solutions, Q&A with subject experts, flashcards, video explanations, a math solver, and writing help. The resources are thorough, and reviewers state that Chegg answers homework questions quickly and accurately no matter when you submit them.  

Chegg also offers textbook rentals for students who need access to textbooks outside of their classroom. Finally, Chegg offers Internship and Career Advice for students who are preparing to graduate and may need a little extra help with the transition out of high school. 

Another great feature Chegg provides is a selection of free articles geared towards helping with general life skills, like coping with stress and saving money. Chegg’s learning modules are comprehensive, and they feature solutions to the problems in tons of different textbooks in a wide variety of subjects. 

Runner Up: Bartleby offers basically the same services as Chegg for $14.99 per month. The reason it didn’t rank as the best is based on customer reviews that say user questions aren’t answered quite as quickly on this site as on Chegg. Otherwise, this is also a solid choice!

body-photomath-logo-2

Best Site for Math Homework Help: Photomath

  • Price: Free (or $59.99 per year for premium services) 
  • Best for: Explaining solutions to math problems

This site allows you to t ake a picture of a math problem, and instantly pulls up a step-by-step solution, as well as a detailed explanation of the concept. Photomath also includes animated videos that break down mathematical concepts to help you better understand and remember them. 

The basic service is free, but for an additional fee you can get extra study tools and learn additional strategies for solving common math problems.

Runner Up: KhanAcademy offers in-depth tutorials that cover complex math topics for free, but you won’t get the same tailored help (and answers!) that Photomath offers. 

Best Site for English Homework Help: Princeton Review Academic Tutoring

  • Price: $40 to $153 per month, depending on how many hours of tutoring you want 
  • Best for: Comprehensive and personalized reading and writing help 

While sites like Grammarly and Sparknotes help you by either proofreading what you write via an algorithm or providing book summaries, Princeton Review’s tutors provide in-depth help with vocabulary, literature, essay writing and development, proofreading, and reading comprehension. And unlike other services, you’ll have the chance to work with a real person to get help. 

The best part is that you can get on-demand English (and ESL) tutoring from experts 24/7. That means you can get help whenever you need it, even if you’re pulling an all-nighter! 

This is by far the most expensive homework site on this list, so you’ll need to really think about what you need out of a homework help website before you commit. One added benefit is that the subscription covers over 80 other subjects, including AP classes, which can make it a good value if you need lots of help!  

body-studtypool-logo

Best Site for STEM Homework Help: Studypool

  • Best for: Science homework help
  • Price: Varies; you’ll pay for each question you submit

When it comes to science homework help, there aren’t a ton of great resources out there. The best of the bunch is Studypool, and while it has great reviews, there are some downsides as well. 

Let’s start with the good stuff. Studypool offers an interesting twist on the homework help formula. After you create a free account, you can submit your homework help questions, and tutors will submit bids to answer your questions. You’ll be able to select the tutor–and price point–that works for you, then you’ll pay to have your homework question answered. You can also pay a small fee to access notes, lectures, and other documents that top tutors have uploaded. 

The downside to Studypool is that the pricing is not transparent . There’s no way to plan for how much your homework help will cost, especially if you have lots of questions! Additionally, it’s not clear how tutors are selected, so you’ll need to be cautious when you choose who you’d like to answer your homework questions.  

body-homework-meme-2

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Homework Help Sites?

Homework help websites can be a great resource if you’re struggling in a subject, or even if you just want to make sure that you’re really learning and understanding topics and ideas that you’re interested in. But, there are some possible drawbacks if you don’t use these sites responsibly. 

We’ll go over the good–and the not-so-good–aspects of getting online homework help below. 

3 Pros of Using Homework Help Websites 

First, let’s take a look at the benefits. 

#1: Better Grades Beyond Homework

This is a big one! Getting outside help with your studies can improve your understanding of concepts that you’re learning, which translates into better grades when you take tests or write essays. 

Remember: homework is designed to help reinforce the concepts you learned in class. If you just get easy answers without learning the material behind the problems, you may not have the tools you need to be successful on your class exams…or even standardized tests you’ll need to take for college. 

#2: Convenience

One of the main reasons that online homework help is appealing is because it’s flexible and convenient. You don’t have to go to a specific tutoring center while they’re open or stay after school to speak with your teacher. Instead, you can access helpful resources wherever you can access the internet, whenever you need them.

This is especially true if you tend to study at off hours because of your extracurriculars, work schedule, or family obligations. Sites that offer 24/7 tutoring can give you the extra help you need if you can’t access the free resources that are available at your school. 

#3: Variety

Not everyone learns the same way. Maybe you’re more of a visual learner, but your teacher mostly does lectures. Or maybe you learn best by listening and taking notes, but you’re expected to learn something just from reading the textbook . 

One of the best things about online homework help is that it comes in a variety of forms. The best homework help sites offer resources for all types of learners, including videos, practice activities, and even one-on-one discussions with real-life experts. 

This variety can also be a good thing if you just don’t really resonate with the way a concept is being explained (looking at you, math textbooks!).

body_stophand

Not so fast. There are cons to homework help websites, too. Get to know them below!

3 Cons of Using Homework Help Websites 

Now, let’s take a look at the drawbacks of online homework help. 

#1: Unreliable Info

This can be a real problem. In addition to all the really good homework help sites, there are a whole lot of disreputable or unreliable sites out there. The fact of the matter is that some homework help sites don’t necessarily hire people who are experts in the subjects they’re talking about. In those cases, you may not be getting the accurate, up-to-date, and thorough information you need.

Additionally, even the great sites may not be able to answer all of your homework questions. This is especially true if the site uses an algorithm or chatbot to help students…or if you’re enrolled in an advanced or college-level course. In these cases, working with your teacher or school-provided tutors are probably your best option. 

#2: No Clarification

This depends on the service you use, of course. But the majority of them provide free or low-cost help through pre-recorded videos. Watching videos or reading info online can definitely help you with your homework… but you can’t ask questions or get immediate feedback if you need it .

#3: Potential For Scamming 

Like we mentioned earlier, there are a lot of homework help websites out there, and lots of them are scams. The review comments we read covered everything from outdated or wrong information, to misleading claims about the help provided, to not allowing people to cancel their service after signing up. 

No matter which site you choose to use, make sure you research and read reviews before you sign up–especially if it’s a paid service! 

body-cheat-cheating-cc0

When Does “Help” Become “Cheating”?

Admittedly, whether using homework help websites constitutes cheating is a bit of a grey area. For instance, is it “help” when a friend reads your essay for history class and corrects your grammar, or is it “cheating”? The truth is, not everyone agrees on when “help” crosses the line into “cheating .” When in doubt, it can be a good idea to check with your teacher to see what they think about a particular type of help you want to get. 

That said, a general rule of thumb to keep in mind is to make sure that the assignment you turn in for credit is authentically yours . It needs to demonstrate your own thoughts and your own current abilities. Remember: the point of every homework assignment is to 1) help you learn something, and 2) show what you’ve learned. 

So if a service answers questions or writes essays for you, there’s a good chance using it constitutes cheating. 

Here’s an example that might help clarify the difference for you. Brainstorming essay ideas with others or looking online for inspiration is “help” as long as you write the essay yourself. Having someone read it and give you feedback about what you need to change is also help, provided you’re the one that makes the changes later. 

But copying all or part of an essay you find online or having someone write (or rewrite) the whole thing for you would be “cheating.” The same is true for other subjects. Ultimately, if you’re not generating your own work or your own answers, it’s probably cheating.

body-info-tip

5 Tips for Finding the Best Homework Help Websites for You

Now that you know some of our favorite homework help websites, free and paid, you can start doing some additional research on your own to decide which services might work best for you! Here are some top tips for choosing a homework help website. 

Tip 1: Decide How You Learn Best 

Before you decide which site or sites you’re going to use for homework help, y ou should figure out what kind of learning style works for you the most. Are you a visual learner? Then choose a site that uses lots of videos to help explain concepts. If you know you learn best by actually doing tasks, choose a site that provides lots of practice exercises.

Tip 2: Determine Which Subjects You Need Help With

Just because a homework help site is good overall doesn’t mean that it’s equally good for every subject. If you only need help in math, choose a site that specializes in that area. But if history is where you’re struggling, a site that specializes in math won’t be much help. So make sure to choose a site that you know provides high-quality help in the areas you need it most. 

Tip 3: Decide How Much One-On-One Help You Need 

This is really about cost-effectiveness. If you learn well on your own by reading and watching videos, a free site like Khan Academy is a good choice. But if you need actual tutoring, or to be able to ask questions and get personalized answers from experts, a paid site that provides that kind of service may be a better option.

Tip 4: Set a Budget

If you decide you want to go with a paid homework help website, set a budget first . The prices for sites vary wildly, and the cost to use them can add up quick. 

Tip 5: Read the Reviews

Finally, it’s always a good idea to read actual reviews written by the people using these homework sites. You’ll learn the good, the bad, and the ugly of what the users’ experiences have been. This is especially true if you intend to subscribe to a paid service. You’ll want to make sure that users think it’s worth the price overall!

body_next

What’s Next?

If you want to get good grades on your homework, it’s a good idea to learn how to tackle it strategically. Our expert tips will help you get the most out of each assignment…and boost your grades in the process.

Doing well on homework assignments is just one part of getting good grades. We’ll teach you everything you need to know about getting great grades in high school in this article.

Of course, test grades can make or break your GPA, too. Here are 17 expert tips that’ll help you get the most out of your study prep before you take an exam.

author image

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

Student and Parent Forum

Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com , allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers.

Join the Conversation

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

  • For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

how to get someone to do their homework

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

how to get someone to do their homework

How to Motivate Yourself to Do Homework

how to get someone to do their homework

How to Get Motivated to Do Schoolwork to Achieve Stellar Results

To motivate yourself to do homework, set clear, achievable goals, create a distraction-free study space, and establish a regular routine. Use a timer for focused work sessions, reward yourself after completing tasks, and maintain a positive mindset. Remember to take care of your health and seek help if needed.
  • Make a Plan: Break tasks into chunks, set realistic goals.
  • Seek Help: Find a mentor or use assignment services.
  • Set Small Goals: Break homework into smaller, manageable objectives.
  • Stay Organized: Keep workspace tidy and schedule organized.
  • Take Breaks: Regular breaks to recharge.
  • Give Rewards: Treat yourself for completing tasks.
  • Stay Positive: Maintain an optimistic mindset.
  • Get Specialized Help: Seek assistance for challenging subjects.
  • Hang Out With Like-Minded Peers: Surround yourself with motivated friends.
  • Eat Nutritiously: Maintain a balanced diet for focus and energy.

Are you wondering how to motivate yourself to do homework? Transform your study routine with actionable tips like staying organized, taking breaks, making a plan, etc. Read this article to help you foster focus and productivity.

Gain insight on tackling assignments and confidently turning your challenges into triumphs. Find out how to embrace the power of positive habits and witness your motivation soar. Let's break the cycle of boredom and ignite your passion for learning.

Instead of letting deadlines overwhelm you, let's turn them into milestones. With our proven methods, you can easily elevate your academic journey and conquer schoolwork. 

Motivation to Do Homework: Learn Why It Matters

Finding motivation for homework can sometimes feel impossible, especially when you're tired and overwhelmed with many responsibilities. But homework was not given by your teachers or professors as a form of torture.

It's a vital element in your academic journey, and staying motivated is the compass guiding the way to complete them. Consider motivation as the fuel propelling you through your seemingly impossible tasks.

Maintaining inspiration is crucial because it transforms routine assignments into valuable learning opportunities.

When you enthusiastically approach your homework, the benefits extend beyond completion—it fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Embrace motivation as a tool for getting things done and fostering a positive and productive mindset. In the academic realm, staying inspired is the key to unlocking the doors to knowledge and answering the question of how to get motivated to do schoolwork.

Make a Plan to Help Jump-start Everything

Every student knows the feeling of being overwhelmed by homework. Sometimes, students can't help but scratch their heads, wondering how to get motivated to do schoolwork. It is indeed easy to drag your feet and procrastinate. The secret to conquering that mountain of assignments?

Make a plan! Start by breaking tasks into manageable chunks and set realistic goals. The key is finding what inspires you—a cozy study spot, a reward system, or a study playlist. Having a plan helps organize your workload and gives you a roadmap to success.

So, take a deep breath, make that plan, and watch as motivation for homework becomes your trusty sidekick on your academic journey! 

Seek Help and Find a Mentor

When wondering how to get motivated to do homework, seeking help and finding a mentor becomes a game-changer. The benefits are profound, whether it's reaching out to an alumna, a high-achieving peer, or even considering a professional online "do my assignment" service.

A mentor provides guidance, shares insights, and instills motivation by offering a fresh perspective. Alumnae brings real-world experience which may help you understand. Your peers offer relatability and can also help explain concepts.

Finally, assignment services provide expert support to ensure you can beat your deadlines.

Guidance not only eases your academic load but also fosters a collaborative spirit. Seeking help makes your assignments less daunting. Instead of feeling as if you're drowning in tasks, your mind becomes more prepared for learning and growth.

Break Things Down and Set Small Goals for Homework Assignments

When wondering how to force yourself to do homework, the secret lies in breaking homework assignments down into smaller chunks. Transform your daunting mountain of tasks into manageable molehills. Start with bite-sized objectives that feel achievable, gradually building momentum.

It's like turning homework into a series of mini-victories, making your workload more digestible. Small goals and specific tasks not only boost motivation but also promote a sense of accomplishment.

So, rather than overwhelming yourself, slice your assignments into manageable portions and check your to-do list.

Then, watch as each completed task propels you forward. It's a strategy that helps you stop procrastinating and makes you spend time working on relevant current and future assignments.

Stay Organized to Help You Crush Those Goals

Are you curious how to get motivation to do homework? The answer lies in staying organized to help you crush your goals. Picture your workspace as a battleground—clutter is the enemy, and order is your ally. It's challenging to stay focused amid chaos.

Studies show that a tidy environment fosters mental clarity. So, organize your tasks, create a schedule, and tidy up your space. As you conquer the clutter, you'll find motivation thriving. A well-ordered work area reflects a well-ordered mind, making your homework journey smoother and the path to your goals clearer.

Get organized and watch your motivation, propelling you to academic excellence! And start expecting good grades, and not just in your favorite subject.

Take Breaks to Help You Recharge and Achieve Homework Fun

Wondering how to get motivated for homework? Embrace the power of breaks to help you recharge and do my homework . Picture your brilliant mind as a battery! Continuous work drains your brain of energy needed for motivation.

Breaks act as the charger, replenishing your mental reserves. It's not about procrastination. Instead, think of these planned breaks as strategic rejuvenation. Step away, stretch, take a walk, or indulge in a quick hobby. Spend some time alone and rest for a few hours.

You'll find renewed focus and energy as you return, making your assignments more sustainable.

Strategic breaks aren't like other distractions.

In fact, they are essential tools for maintaining motivation. So, intersperse your study sessions with short breaks and witness how recharging catalyzes academic success. 

Give Yourself Rewards

Are you thinking how to motivate yourself to do school work, especially when feeling sluggish and tired? The answer lies in giving yourself rewards when hitting milestones. Consider it a pat on your back for a job well done.

Rewards don't have to be grand. Even simple treats can work wonders! When you associate completing tasks with positive reinforcement, it creates a sense of accomplishment. This becomes a powerful motivator, especially during slumps.

Whether it's a brief break, a favorite snack, or a small celebration, these rewards are energy boosts. They will help you inject enthusiasm into your schoolwork grind. Whether you're working on social studies, classical music, or any focused course, there are many reasons why a reward in the first place will make any assignment progress much faster.

Celebrate your victories, big or small. With each celebration, watch motivation become your constant companion. 

Stay Positive and Optimistic

Maintaining an optimistic mindset is the cornerstone of tackling any challenge, including homework. Want to figure out how to stay motivated to do homework?

It starts with cultivating a positive outlook. Embrace each of your assignments as an opportunity to learn and grow. Positivity breeds motivation! When faced with difficulties, view them as stepping stones, not stumbling blocks.

Surround yourself with an optimistic atmosphere—whether it's a neat study space or the support of encouraging friends.

Celebrate small victories and approach each task believing you can conquer it. Positivity makes the homework journey more enjoyable and transforms obstacles into opportunities for success. 

Get Specialized Help When You Need It

Pondering how to be motivated to do homework, especially when facing challenging subjects like math problems or drafting an English essay?

The key is getting specialized help when you need it. College encompasses a spectrum of subjects, from English and humanities to math and statistics.

Seeking math homework help for calculus or essay assistance from experts isn't a sign of weakness. You can think of this as a strategic move. Recognizing when to ask for specialized support is a strength. It alleviates your struggles and fosters a proactive approach to learning.

So, don't hesitate to reach out when faced with academic hurdles.

Specialized help ensures you conquer the complexities and stay motivated on your educational journey. 

Hang Out With Like-Minded Peers

If you're figuring out how to get motivation to do school work, one of the answers could be in the company you keep. Imagine being with friends who party hard and ditch deadlines. Uh-oh, that spells trouble!

Instead, surround yourself with like-minded peers who share your academic goals and enthusiasm. Studying with friends who are equally driven creates a supportive environment that fuels motivation. Exchange ideas and share strategies for work-life balance.

Celebrate your successes together. The collective energy of a group with a common purpose can be contagious, making your academic journey more enjoyable.

When you're in the company of peers who are passionate about learning, the motivation to excel becomes a shared experience, propelling everyone toward success. 

Fuel Your Brain and Body with Nutritious Food 

Listen up! Eat well to stay motivated. Why does your diet play an important role in how to make yourself do homework? What you fuel your brain and body matters!

A balanced diet is the secret weapon for sustained focus and energy. Incorporate brain-boosting foods like fruits, nuts, and whole grains into your meals. Skipping meals leads to fatigue, affecting your concentration.

By nourishing your body, you're investing in your academic success. So, make your plate a palette of productivity. Then, watch how your well-fed body becomes the foundation for a motivated mind. 

Students Tend to Forget Water Intake - Will You?

Hydration is critical when figuring out how to get motivation for homework. Dehydration can significantly impact concentration and focus, putting you in a study slump.

So, as a busy student, it's vital to stay hydrated. Water is not just a refreshing beverage to quench thirst. It's also an amazing cognitive enhancer. Many studies show that even mild dehydration can lead to reduced cognitive performance.

Therefore, keep your water bottle within arm's reach while tackling assignments. And drink before you feel thirsty because you're already mildly dehydrated by then. Water helps with mental sharpness. A well-hydrated brain is focused and ready to take on the challenges of homework. 

Use an Inspiring Music Playlist

Fill your study area with an inspiring music playlist—especially if you're wondering how to become motivated to do school work or contemplating how to do my assignment excellently. Music has a magical quality that can ignite motivation.

Create a playlist filled with fave tunes that uplift your spirits and set the tone for productivity. The right soundtrack can turn mundane tasks into engaging activities.

Whether you need a boost to start your assignments or a rhythm to carry you through to ace a test, music is a powerful ally.

So, put on those headphones, hit play, and let the motivational beats become the backdrop to your academic triumphs. 

How to Get Motivation for Homework - FAQs

How to get motivated to do school work .

Do you wish to unlock how to be motivated to do schoolwork? Think of this as like finding the perfect rhythm for a dance. Start small—break tasks into manageable steps. Surround yourself with a supportive study environment.

Use inspiring music as your soundtrack. Stay positive and celebrate victories. Your academic journey is a dance of determination. 

What can I do when I have no motivation to do homework? 

Feeling the homework blues? When you have no motivation to do homework, start small—break your tasks into bite-sized chunks. Change your scenery, create a dedicated study space, and consider incorporating inspiring music.

Seek support from mentors. Remember, every small effort counts, turning your homework struggle into achievable victories.

Where to find motivation in a few hours for schoolwork when I'm lazy?  

Curious how to do homework when you don't want to? Your journey from laziness to productivity is manageable by breaking tasks into small steps.

Then, create a motivating study environment and consider help. For example, seeking physics homework help or essay writing assistance from professionals when needed.

Every small effort counts because you'll find inspiration in every completed task. 

Is seeking professional help online acceptable? 

Absolutely! When figuring out how to get the motivation to do homework, seeking professional help online is a smart move. Online assistance provides valuable support, guidance, and resources, empowering you to tackle assignments confidently. It's a proactive step towards academic success in the digital age.

If I seek online help, how much will I pay? 

The cost of online help varies based on subject, complexity, and deadline, but consider it an investment in your academic success when exploring how to motivate to do homework. Our platform offers flexible pricing, ensuring accessibility to resources and assistance tailored to your needs and budget. 

Where can I find homework help? 

When wondering how to get yourself to do homework, remember that you're in the digital age and finding homework help is a click away. Explore our online platform for personalized assistance. We provide valuable support, making your homework journey more manageable and efficient. 

Is an online assignment platform legal?

Yes, seeking Python homework help , essay writing assistance, or any other service from an online assignment platform like ours is legal. We are a legitimate resource that aligns with the quest to answer how to get motivated for school work, providing valuable assistance and support to enhance your learning experience.

successbydesignplanners

Welcome to successbydesignplanners!

  • Request a Sample

Shopping Cart

Continue Shopping

Strategies for Getting Students to Complete Work

Strategies for Getting Students to Complete Work

You're not alone if you're looking for ways to motivate your students to do their homework. Getting students to do their homework regularly can be a source of frustration for teachers. We know students who consistently complete homework will achieve more academically, particularly in high school, and students who don't do their homework will falter. 

As a teacher, you want your students to benefit from good work habits — for success in the classroom and in life. After all, effective homework strategies teach responsibility and self-discipline while instilling confidence and motivation. The good news is you have plenty of options to make an impact.

We've put together this guide to help teachers make the most out of homework time and motivate their students. Here, we discuss some reasons students don't do their homework, what to do when students don't do their homework, how to create engaging assignments and the best approaches to take with your students in the classroom. We also offer tips for organizing your students and developing effective work habits.

Reasons Why Students Don't Do Their Homework

When a student leaves school for the day, you hope you have done enough to set them up for homework time, but many factors are beyond your control. If a student frequently fails to complete assignments, consider what may be going on at home. Understanding the root of the problem can help you get a better handle on the situation. 

You may want to connect with the student in a different way, reach out to the parents or offer additional support. Once you're able to identify why students don't do homework, you can begin implementing strategies to encourage and enable your pupils to complete their assignments in the future. Here are some common reasons why students may not complete homework.

Issues in School

Although you try your best to deliver quality instruction and create meaningful habits, students sometimes face other school issues that inhibit their learning abilities. Thankfully, many of these problems have easy fixes, even if it takes time to craft a working routine that benefits the student. Here are common problems student face in school that can affect their homework performance:

  • Lack of understanding: Lack of understanding is one of the primary reasons students don't do their homework. When children don't receive enough instruction, they lack the basic skills they need to complete an assignment. It's essential that your homework instructions are as clear and specific as possible so that students can fully comprehend the task at hand.
  • No feedback: Many students feel motivated by feedback, which is why they may not complete their homework when they don't receive any praise or constructive criticism. Try incorporating homework feedback into your lesson plan by writing comments on completed assignments or building time into the day to address homework patterns with the class.
  • Being overwhelmed by the task:  Hefty, time-consuming tasks can be mentally draining for students. If a student feels that an assignment will take a large portion of time and they don't know how to break it down, they may decide the work isn't worth the effort. For large tasks and projects, consider assigning one portion at a time. For example, you can easily break down a large research project. Have students craft source lists for the first few days and find valuable information. After this, ask them to create an outline. Then assign the paper due date. This way, the students have all the information they need to complete the assignment.

Problems at Home

Not every student has a supportive and welcoming home environment that enables them to do their best work. Although there may not be a surefire way to combat these issues, there are steps you can take to make homework completion more accessible and easier:

  • Parents are unavailable: A reason students may not complete homework is their parents are unavailable to offer help with at-home assignments. You can provide extra assistance to these students in the classroom . Set them up with a tutor or encourage them to reach out if they have any questions.
  • Lack of consistency: If a student's family moves around a lot, they may lack the consistency they need to sit down and work on their assignments at home. This is another instance where you can talk to the student and suggest a common workplace they can utilize to work on homework — like the library or an after-school study room — to give them a more stable place to focus.
  • A troubled home life: When kids have a chaotic or troubling home life, they may feel unmotivated to do their homework. You can handle sensitive situations like these by forming a positive relationship with the student, listening to their problems and making them feel valued and encouraged in the classroom.
  • Too much time watching TV or engaging in social media: Some students spend hours of their free time consuming social media and watching television, neglecting to do their homework. Unfortunately, you can't control how your students use their free time, but you can conduct parent conferences to discuss ways to help students focus at home.

Exterior Issues

Your students may have issues that span beyond school and home. Exterior challenges arise all the time, and although it can be difficult to pinpoint them, taking the extra steps to connect with your student will be worth it in the long run. Check out these exterior challenges to determine the best way to communicate with your students and help them overcome barriers:

  • Extracurricular activities or after - school jobs: Students who participate in after - school activities or jobs often have difficulty completing homework on top of their busy schedules. Activities such as these are enriching and shouldn't disable students from doing their homework. To accommodate, consider assigning homework ahead of time rather than the day before it's due so that students have enough time to manage their workload throughout the week.
  • No positive role models: Some students don't have access to positive role models who value education and encourage them to complete their homework. In these cases, you should try to work with the student, inspire them to succeed and teach them the importance of school.
  • Loud, distracting or cramped work environment: Another reason why students don't do their homework is that they may not have a work environment that is conducive to concentration and learning. Try having a one-on-one with your student to discuss what they can do to eliminate distractions, like staying after school to complete their assignments or spending time in the library.
  • Teenage pregnancies or parenting at a young age: If your student is pregnant or has recently given birth, they may be struggling to find time to do their homework. You can offer advice on how they can balance their homework and manage their time, or offer them resources for doing so.
  • Drug or alcohol use: This is another sensitive subject that can be difficult to navigate. If your student shows signs of drug use, you can talk to them privately and offer resources, contact the school counselor or have a conversation with their parents.

How to Motivate Kids to Do Homework

Communicating information effectively can set students up for success at home. On the first day of school, take a confident, upbeat approach with your students regarding homework. What you say and do in the classroom can help get students on track during homework time.

Below are eight homework strategies for teachers you can use to help your students complete homework . For the greatest impact, put these strategies into practice early in the school year.

1. Explain the Purpose of Homework

Students need to understand why it’s important to do their homework. Homework is intended to be a positive experience that furthers learning, and your students should never view it as a punishment. Make it clear every assignment has a purpose, and mastery only occurs when students work independently, without the safety net of the classroom. Let students know you will always explain how a given assignment will fit into the big picture.

Emphasize how homework is a way to solidify the concepts students learn in the classroom, and the best way to accomplish this is through consistency and repetition. With this practice, students will feel confident in their skills and transition well into the next day’s lesson. When students do their homework well, more learning can take place in the classroom every day. 

2. Set Expectations on the First Day

Research shows students are more successful when teachers set high standards , so make your expectations clear. Explain students who complete their homework assignments will be successful in your class. For those who don't, it will be a tough road ahead.

Keep your tone positive and let students know what to expect regarding workload. Clarify how you will grade homework and the consequences of missed assignments. Spell everything out in a homework contract and have students sign it. Just make sure to explain it, too, so the information sinks in.

3. Give Homework Daily

Assign each evening's homework in manageable chunks. If you send students home with a weekly packet of information, they may become overwhelmed. Some students may procrastinate and leave the entire packet until the last minute, which defeats the purpose of daily practice. Over time, daily assignments become part of a student's routine and part of life, not a chore.

4. Provide Clear Instructions

Make sure to provide clear instructions and post homework in multiple locations, such as in your classroom and on your website. Ensure your students always have the ability to find further explanations or assistance. For younger students, you can provide instructions and handouts to parents, so they can assist if their child gets stuck when working at home.

5. Set Aside Classroom Time for Independent Learning

Teachers often make the mistake of creating an environment of dependency in the classroom. Some students may overly rely on teachers and peers for guidance and information. To truly master the day’s material, students need the opportunity to work independently through the learning process before they leave for the day. If this piece is missing, students may become frustrated when they sit down to do their homework.

6. Earn Respect

You need to gain a student’s respect before you can expect to influence their homework habits. To gain respect, be likable, build rapport with your students and always follow through. When students respect you, they will start to trust what you tell them, and through your influence, you can inspire a strong work ethic.

7. Take a Personal Interest in the Lives of Your Students

Get to know your students. Try relating to students by engaging them in conversations about topics that interest them. Once you've established a personal connection, they are more likely to listen to you, and it will mean more when you tell them to complete their homework.

Additionally, you'll be better equipped to handle student barriers if you understand and connect with your students. Your students may find it easier to speak with you to craft solutions if they believe you genuinely care about their well-being and accomplishments.

8. Foster a Growth Mindset

Students who foster a growth mindset can make immense strides in their education and lives. This kind of mindset involves accepting and seeking challenges for the sake of learning and growing. When people adopt this way of thinking, they view mistakes and failure as a natural part of the learning process rather than becoming upset or frustrated.

You can help foster this mindset in your students by explaining the importance of practice, learning and failures. Providing meaningful feedback can help this process, as students learn the difference between judgment and helpful tips that enable them to grow.

Organizing Homework and Tips for Turning in Homework

As students move into middle school, organization skills can become an issue. They have multiple teachers, multiple assignments to juggle, supplies galore and about eight or nine different classes they need to show up on time for each day. All this can be a bit overwhelming.

Organization skills are key to homework success. A student with crumpled-up papers in their backpack may get by temporarily, but, eventually, things are going to fall apart. To head off homework nightmares, help your students get organized from the start.

teacher helping student take notes

Use the following organizational strategies early in the school year.

  • Set up a homework file:  Students need a simple, fail-safe system to stay organized. Advise students to keep all their homework in a central location, such as a pocket folder . Designate one place, and one place only, for all subjects. If students start filing information in separate notebooks, or corners of their lockers, assignments will get lost.
  • Incorporate planning time:  Set aside time each week for students to plan their homework schedules. Have students use daily planners to map out after-school activities and schedule in blocks of time to complete homework. They can even schedule in downtime if they choose.
  • Offer encouragement:  Organizing and planning homework can be tricky for many students. Offer encouragement and praise for any amount of progress. Your feedback goes a long way. 

8 Ways to Create Engaging Homework Assignments

Even though you may have exemplary communication skills and the best-laid plans for organization, you still need to keep homework interesting. Homework needs to have a purpose and be engaging. If students don’t see the point or understand the benefits, they will be less likely to complete assignments.

Here are eight ways to create engaging assignments that will aid in motivating students to do homework .

1. Create Quality Assignments

If you’re going to give an assignment, make it worthwhile. Give clear and concise instructions and offer relevant resources. Try to narrow down the focus of the task. If you try to reinforce too many concepts at once, students may miss the point or feel overwhelmed. Never give busywork. If you get a reputation for giving busywork, students will not engage consistently and may miss assignments that really matter.

2. Give Homework as a Review or Practice

Homework is an opportunity for students to review and practice what they learned that day. It is not a time for teachers to introduce new material. Independent work solidifies skills learned in the classroom and boosts confidence and motivation. When students realize they can achieve success on their own, they feel good about themselves. When they feel good about themselves, they want to learn more. With the right tools in place, students will be motivated to complete homework assignments on a regular basis. 

3. Make Students Think

Give students the opportunity to have an “a-ha moment” during homework time. Allow them to think independently and extract information from other resources outside of the classroom. Challenge students to think for themselves and explore new ideas. Thinking outside the box can be exciting and motivating for students.

4. Offer Choices

Give students options whenever possible. For example, have a few topics to choose from when you give a writing assignment. When students get to make decisions about homework, they become more invested and enjoy the process more. Meaningful choices can encourage students to capitalize on their strengths and become more engaged with learning material .

5. Keep Assignments Interesting

Mix things up. If your students recognize you have a formulaic approach to homework, it can begin to feel like a repetitive chore. You may not know whether your students are learning from the material or memorizing the basic steps to find the answers. Additionally, students will tire of similar subjects and formats, so aim for a varied approach. One great way to pique a student’s interest is to assign a long-term project. Encourage students to seek new and unique research and bring interesting conversations to the classroom.

6. Align Assignments With Skill Levels

Although you likely can't individualize every assignment, you can tailor homework to homogeneous groups within your classroom. For example, at-risk or gifted students may have different assignments than the rest of the class. In high school, students in advanced placement or honors classes typically receive assignments that require more abstract thinking. 

7. Assign a Manageable Workload

Be sure to schedule the right amount of homework. You want homework time to be effective and productive, not exhausting and overwhelming. Many educators follow the 10-minutes-per-grade-level rule. A first-grader would do 10 minutes of homework a night, a second-grader would do 20 minutes and so on, maxing out at about two hours for high school students. Coordinate homework with the other teachers on your team to keep the total amount of time consistent each night.

8. Make the Connection Between the Material and Life

If the subject matter is relatable, students are more apt to complete homework assignments. Hands-on assignments that make sense in the real world can spark a student's interest and really sink in. Be entertaining or share information through a story, then send students home with a related assignment.

For example, let’s say you are working on persuasive arguments in your language arts class. You could set up a classroom trial where students are lawyers, judges, plaintiffs, defendants or part of a jury. After the lesson and some classroom discussion, you could have students write a few persuasive paragraphs from their perspective for homework. 

Teach Effective Homework Motivation Strategies

Good homework habits are key to getting the most out of an assignment and completing it on time, and it’s never too early to start. If you’re a kindergarten or first-grade teacher, consider sending age-appropriate homework home so students can begin to establish a routine. This can be as simple as having a parent read a few pages of a book to the student. 

Regardless of grade level, encourage students to practice good homework strategies. Teach these strategies to the group or individually for students who are struggling. 

Encourage students to:

  • Take notes during the school day.
  • Use an effective planner to keep track of assignments and due dates .
  • Set up a quiet place at home to study.
  • Assess assignment difficulty to determine how much time they will need to dedicate to completing it.
  • Gather and organize homework supplies such as pencils, erasers, calculators, paper, etc.
  • Use school resources during study halls and independent learning times.
  • Pick a time to do homework that works with the family schedule.
  • Practice time management strategies and learn to stay on routine.
  • Turn off cell phones, television or any other distractions during homework time.
  • Download education apps that can help them focus or set timers during homework time. 
  • Prepare for a test or long-term assignments in chunks, instead of cramming.
  • Determine personal rewards for achieving their learning goals.
  • Work with other students who have similar questions or challenges.
  • Identify and understand their learning style. 

Reinforce Effective Homework Habits

Being a great teacher means reinforcing effective homework habits is a critical part of the process. When students complete their homework, be sure to acknowledge it, or the pattern probably won’t continue. And, if students don’t complete assignments, make sure you have consequences in place. 

Here are seven things you can do to reinforce good homework habits:

  • Always check homework: Only assign homework you plan to review and score. Hold students accountable by checking their homework in front of them each day. Taking time to get this system in place during the first month of the school year can really pay off. Once students realize you are the type of teacher who always checks homework, they'll be more likely to complete it. On the other hand, if you’re too casual about homework, students won’t think it’s important and probably won't complete it consistently. Make sure to grade for effort, as this encourages students of all ability levels.
  • Provide prompt feedback: The sooner a student receives feedback, the more it will resonate. Who can remember the details of an assignment from a week ago? Immediate feedback has a greater impact on student performance than long turnaround times. If a student knows they did well on an assignment, they will feel confident and motivated to move on. If they didn’t do well, you can evaluate why and remediate the situation. But, if too much time goes by, things can start to slip.
  • Praise students for both performance and effort: Everybody responds well to praise, so find something positive to say about a student’s performance or effort. Make sure your praise is genuine because students know when it’s not.
  • Use a points system with incentives: Assign points to completed assignments and take away points for missed assignments. Offer age-appropriate incentives for students with the highest number of points. You can also modify this system to incentivize the class as a group. Keep in mind, points systems with incentives are best suited for elementary and middle school students.
  • Allow make-up work with point deductions: To reinforce the importance of each assignment, give students the opportunity to make up missed work. Enforce consequences for missed assignments, or you will continue to see a pattern. Since every point counts toward a final grade, make sure students understand partial credit is better than no credit at all.
  • Give students a visual to manage missed assignments: When a student does not turn in homework repeatedly, print out a list of everything that goes into their grade. Highlight each missing assignment and the points associated with it. Some kids may not realize how many assignments they've missed, or how much this impacts their overall grade. Sometimes a visual can help drive the message home.
  • Offer help when needed: Some students have limited resources, and need to know they can ask you for help or guidance. You can set up help sessions before or after school, during lunch or even over the phone. Also, check with your school district to see what they offer. Some schools have peer tutoring programs, homework hotlines and study centers. You can also set up a study-buddy system in your classroom.

Connecting With Parents

Parents need to understand homework policies and expectations. At the beginning of the school year, let parents know they can contact you anytime to discuss homework or anything else. Make them feel like they are part of the team, and that they can make a difference. A good time to do this is at a parent back-to-school night. If parents don’t show up, you can send them an email or give them a call the next day. Let them know when you are available and the best way to reach you. 

If a student is struggling with homework during the school year, reach out to their parents. Although some parents are more responsive than others, it’s a good first step. Some parents may just be unaware of the situation and need to begin reinforcing the importance of completing assignments at home.

When you put all the right pieces in place, you can motivate and inspire students to learn and enjoy the homework process . Encouraging your students to do their homework routinely promotes a love of learning and boosts their confidence . Students typically want to succeed, and giving them the proper tools to do their best work will positively affect them for many years to come.

Check out Our Student Planners

At Success By Design, Inc., we help students plan and organize their homework and other activities. We know that, as a teacher, you want to give your students every opportunity to succeed academically and for the rest of their lives.  Check out our student planners  to get students on the right track at the beginning of the next school year and view our online special for reduced price assignment notebooks . It will be here before you know it.

success by design student planners

← Previous Post Next Post →

  • Tags: Elementary School High School Middle School Parent Resources Teaching Resources
  • May 09, 2018
  • Administrator Resources
  • Character Building
  • Elementary School
  • High School
  • Middle School
  • Parent Resources
  • Student Planners
  • Teaching Resources

ALL STUDENT PLANNERS

All custom covers, customize your planner, our products.

  • Planners with a Purpose
  • STEM Planners
  • Additional Items
  • Customer Referrals
  • Order Information
  • Customizing Your Planner
  • Terms of Service
  • Shipping Policy

Keep in Touch

September 22, 2022

How to encourage students to do their homework.

how to get someone to do their homework

Homework is one of those things you do because it needs to be done. But what happens when students struggle to complete assignments? Researchers have discovered that children who have difficulty completing homework tasks often lack executive function skills. Executive function refers to a set of abilities that allow people to plan, organize, prioritize, problem solve, and pay attention.

The good news is that there are ways to teach students the skills necessary to complete homework effectively. In this article, we explore the various factors that keep students from completing their homework, and how these factors can be dealt with.

What can you do if a student refuses to do work?

Most teachers have been in a situation where students refuse to do the work they are assigned. Whether it is because they don't understand the assignment or because they feel like they can’t do it, there are several things that teachers can do to help them learn to overcome obstacles.

For example, you can ask the student to explain the reasoning behind his or her refusing to do the work. If he or she is struggling because of personal reasons, you can allow the student to hand in the work later, or even assign an extra credit for the completed assignment. You can also provide additional instructions if needed.

How to get homework done quickly

What are the reasons why students don't do their homework?

There are different reasons why a student might not complete his homework but this problem is generally attributed to two primary factors:

Lack of understanding: Sometimes students don’t understand their homework assignments so they ignore them instead of reviewing what they learned in class.

Lack of motivation: Some students may not want to do the work because they are bored with the subject matter. Others may believe that they are incapable of completing the task. They may also dislike the way you teach the material. Whatever the reason, it is important to remember that every person learns differently so it’s important to find ways to motivate each student.

Tips to encourage students to do their homework

Getting kids to do their homework, after going through an entire school day, can be complicated. However, there are things that you can do to encourage students to complete their homework and elevate their learning experience .

Use a digital student planner

It can be difficult to get student learning practices right. However, there are things you can do to help your students optimize time management. A digital student planner makes it easier for today's Internet-savvy students to stay on top of their work.

With so much homework being assigned every day, it’s easy for students to get overwhelmed. Thankfully, with a planner, they can easily see what they have to do, by day and by week, and therefore dedicate time to each homework assignment. This helps improve grade levels and prevents late assignments.

Why are planners helpful for students?

Create a clear homework policy

With a clear homework policy, you communicate expectations consistently. This helps students understand what they must do to meet these expectations. You might say something like "I expect my students to turn in homework on Monday" or "I expect my students' homework to resolve math practice questions every night".

Break down tasks

One thing that works really well is breaking down large assignments into smaller ones . Instead of tackling a huge project all at once, try breaking it up into smaller pieces. For example, say you want to write a paper for English class. Instead of writing the whole thing at once, start by writing a rough draft of the introductory paragraph. Once you've finished that, move on to the body paragraphs. When you finish those, go back and add the conclusion.

Talk through problems

Students are often frustrated when they hit a roadblock while completing assignments so it’s important to find a way to help them overcome those challenges. The best way to do this is to simply talk to them about the issues they are facing and provide help when needed.

Provide adequate support

If you want your students to succeed, make sure that they have access to sufficient resources. For example, provide ample time for students to complete their homework. If you've got limited time, consider providing additional materials, such as worksheets or study guides. You can also leverage online tools to help them keep track of their progress. You might even want to consider integrating team-based learning into your homework policy to allow students to collaborate on project ideas. This will also encourage the development of listening skills and social skills .

The best digital student planner

A planner can help students manage their time better and develop good study habits. Studyo developed a digital student planner that allows students to easily stay on top of the work they have to do. Whether it is a quick math paper, or a long-term project, they will know exactly what they need to do and by what date.

Our planner automatically syncs to Google Classroom. This means that assignments are instantly uploaded to it and  ensures that students don’t miss assignments. Our student planner is personalized to your school and allows students to track their progress.

Book a demo

Healing Collective Therapy Logo

  • Jan 30, 2023
  • 26 min read

19 Tips to Motivate Clients With Therapy Homework- (Infographic)

Updated: Sep 14, 2023

Our team reached out to a group of therapists to find out what tips they had to offer on how to get clients to do their therapy homework. The infographic below is a collection summary of the quotes we received from 19 therapists.

While many of the interventions are known among professionals, each participant offers unique insight while answering the same question. The sessions that each therapist has with their clients are fantastic opportunities for discovery and figuring things out. The truth is that much of the learning and growth often come from the application of what has been discovered and figured out. In other words, you never get the full value of your in-person sessions without doing the homework!

Here are what our contributors recommended (you can find the full transcript and a link to the official article down below).

tips on how to motivate clients to do their therapy homework

19 Therapists Weigh in On How to Motivate Clients Who Don’t Do Their Therapy Homework

Therapy sessions bring people to many new realizations. However, real learning takes place when a client attempts to apply these new ways of thinking and acting to their everyday life and to the goals they wish to accomplish. A big part of the process is the homework or exercises a therapist assigns to a client. If a client doesn’t do their homework, does this make the therapist's job much harder?

Below you will find the testimony of 19 different therapists that are weighing in on this very real and common occurrence. Each therapist gives their two cents on whether this issue is counter-productive, ways to get around, and more importantly ways to motivate their clients!

Tina Marie Del Rosario, LCSW, MSW, Adjunct Professor @ Pepperdine University

Owner of Healing Collective Therapy Group

https://healingcollectivetherapy.com

A common theme I see in people who lack motivation is the absence of self-compassion. Clients who show up faithfully are clearly displaying a form of motivation. But when it comes to doing the work, there are clients who meet resistance and acts of avoidance. .

What interventions have you found to be helpful in motivating clients?

I find that starting with a psychodynamic approach is necessary. Exploring what is coming up for the client when resistance and avoidance are present is often helpful. The thoughts, attitudes and emotions attached to these feelings have come from some past experience.

Identifying where it is coming from can help the client process said past experience(s) and recognize the lack of relevance it has to present day. More often than not, self-critical narratives are attached to the feelings of resistance.

These criticisms evoke both somatic symptoms and self-protection motivations that lead to avoidance. Becoming aware of what is coming up and how it is showing up is necessary to combat lack of motivation. Once identified, we can then work together to process it all and begin to change the narrative.

When clients realize their lack of motivation is not coming from “laziness” or “a character flaw,” they then can begin to remove the self-critical narratives and replace them with self-compassion.

With this new internal dynamic and the absence of self-criticism, clients find it easier to begin to motivate themselves to do the work.

Ellie Borden, BA, RP, PCC

Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Director and Clinical Supervisor.

https://www.mindbydesign.ca

Resistance can be a common part of any change process. Some people struggling with different challenges may appear not to want to change. Even those clients who attend therapy loyally and recognize the need for change in their lives may fail to complete their homework or take the necessary steps outside therapy to modify their behavior.

This is a powerful moment in therapy and can give a therapist the insight necessary to recognize the deeper issues affecting someone's motivation to take the necessary steps toward the change they seek. Often, recognizing avoidant patterns or behavior is an opportunity to identify unresolved matters and the core elements that require healing.

Moreover, a therapist can help an individual reformat their why for change. It is important that someone's why is emotionally driven and leads to effortless motivation. The responsibility for change is the client's alone. However, a trained professional can give someone the objective perspective needed to get them moving in the right direction.

While a therapist can help a client become more motivated to change, ultimately, the onus is on the client to change. With that in mind, there are specific methods that therapists can use with clients to properly motivate them to make the needed changes in their lives.

One of the most widely used interventions for motivating clients is motivational interviewing. The goal of motivational interviewing is to help clients increase their intrinsic desire to change and achieve their goals in therapy. One of the techniques in motivational interviewing is bolstering the client's sense of self-efficacy by helping them recall examples of overcoming challenges in the past. This can allow the client to see that change is achievable and that the situation may not be as hopeless as they think. Developing discrepancies is another technique in motivational interviewing.

This involves a therapist helping the client voice their thoughts, feelings, and conflicts to call attention to the discrepancy between how the client is behaving and how they would like to behave. Motivational interviewing is a great way to help clients recognize their inner strengths and develop the desire to change.

There are many reasons why a client may resist taking the proper action discussed in therapy. One is fear of failure. Some clients, particularly those who are clinically depressed, do not have much faith in themselves or their ability to succeed. Even the slightest real or perceived setback can cause them to catastrophize or engage in negative self-talk such as I am so stupid or I am a failure who can never do anything right. With such a mindset, it is no wonder many clients are unwilling to attempt the steps required for positive change, even if they may truly desire to change. This is one reason why strengthening a client's self-efficacy is crucial.

Another cause of a client's resistance to change is a lack of clear goals. Some clients may struggle to articulate a vision of what desired change looks like, even if they sense that something has gone wrong. Helping the client develop a clear and realistic plan for change can give them additional motivation for following through with the often difficult and confusing work of pursuing meaningful changes in their lives.

Sarah F. O'Brien, LCSW, LLC

Thrive & Shine Counseling

https://www.sarahobrienlcsw.com

Without fail, as a therapist I will point out the discrepancy-mentioning to them how consistent they are with attending sessions, yet how inconsistent they are with completing homework. This usually sparks conversation and processing about why this may be happening for the client.

As a Clinical Social Worker, we are trained to assess a person fully within the context of their life circumstances, something we call BioPsychoSocialSpiritual assessment. With this, I may ask and find extenuating at-home circumstances that prevent clients from being able to complete homework i.e. too busy, not setting enough boundaries at work, ignoring self-care, over-committing to things that aren't beneficial to client's mental health.

What interventions have you found to be *helpful with motivating clients?

To increase client commitment to the change process, I use interventions such as:

*Psychoeducation* (explaining to them, with psychotherapy, most of 'the work' occurs outside of session to achieve desired change).

*Motivational Interviewing techniques* (to prompt and explore client reasons for lack of homework follow through and their awareness, if any, about this).

*Creative homework assignments* based on client's interests or talents (outside the box stuff that doesn't include worksheets or even writing anything down i.e. going for a walk and looking for different types of flowers or trees--this is a mindfulness practice. Or art/expressive assignments i.e. creating a playlist, making a collage or vision board, designing a room or space in their mind-- this is emotional processing, gaining new perspective, finding a safe 'place' to decompress).

*Encourage and suggest clients develop a reward system* for themselves for completing homework assignments (small gifts or tokens for completing that week's assignment, i.e. getting special coffee, taking an hour off work early, favorite dessert they rarely have etc. And larger tokens for consistent completion--every week for a month, for example, or tracking progress or having a breakthrough from the homework-- i.e. taking a weekend trip, taking a whole day off for self, purchasing non-practical or coveted item for self).

Although people willingly engage in therapy, the change process is often arduous and longer than we anticipate (or desire!). People lose motivation, it happens. Enjoyable assignments and rewards for completion are the external factors that motivate us until some positive change starts to occur. When noticeable, positive differences emerge from 'doing the work' outside of sessions, internal motivation often kicks in for clients and they WANT to keep doing homework BECAUSE it's producing the change they want to see in themselves.

Candace Kotkin-De Carvalho, LSW, LCADC, CCS, CCTP

Absolute Awakenings | Morris Plains, New Jersey

https://absoluteawakenings.com/

Therapy isn't a magic pill; clients need to work on their issues as part of the process. One strategy that may help is setting up firm boundaries. This can include scheduling regular appointments and requiring homework assignments between sessions. If a client repeatedly misses appointments or doesn't complete required tasks, it is helpful to schedule a check-in session to discuss this issue and help the client stay on track.

There may also be times when it's necessary to end therapy with a client who refuses to work on their issues. It can be challenging to make this decision, but it is important to do what's best for both the client and therapist to maintain a healthy professional relationship. If you are struggling with these issues, it may be helpful to seek out support from other mental health professionals or find a trusted mentor who can provide guidance.

Reflective listening and active listening can help clients feel heard and understood, which can ultimately motivate them to do the work. Reflective listening involves paraphrasing back to the client what you have heard them say. This way, empathy, and understanding are communicated, and the client feels more motivated to continue working on their issues. Active listening involves listening through nonverbal cues, such as eye contact, nodding, and facial expressions. This approach also encourages a client to articulate their own thoughts and feelings.

When it comes to doing their part in therapy, some clients may need additional support and guidance. This can include breaking down tasks into smaller parts, setting up time-bound goals, or providing positive reinforcement for progress made. If you give them homework assignments, check in with them at their next appointment to see how they are progressing and provide feedback or encouragement as needed.

For example, it may be overwhelming for some clients to make a major life change in one sitting, so you can help them develop a gradual plan to work toward their goals. Meanwhile, other clients may feel frustrated and unmotivated if they aren't making enough progress or meeting their goals quickly enough. In these cases, it can be helpful to provide positive reinforcement when they

make progress, such as offering verbal praise or tangible rewards.

Our behaviors are heavily affected by our thoughts, emotions, and environment. For clients who have been struggling with mental health issues for a long time, their thought patterns and coping mechanisms may be ingrained in their psyche. As a therapist, it is important to acknowledge that these behaviors may take time to change.

Often, this involves helping the client identify and understand unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors. This may involve identifying negative self-talk, challenging unhelpful beliefs, or learning coping strategies to better manage stress and anxiety. Accordingly, help the client focus on their strengths and build positive relationships with others. Acknowledging that they are working through a difficult time can provide support and motivation for them to keep going.

In addition, be mindful of your own thoughts and emotions as a therapist. For example, it is helpful to have regular supervision or check-ins with other mental health professionals so you can discuss any challenging client interactions. This will help ensure that your professional boundaries are maintained and that you provide the best support for your client.

Lauren Cook-McKay

Licensed Marriage, and Family Therapist and VP of Marketing at Divorce Answers

https://divorceanswers.com/

Although therapy is a two-way street in order to be successful, it's also a safe space for clients to be a mess. Dealing with incomplete homework usually involved capitalizing the inaction as a window to the realization of the issues they're dealing with in their lives.

Paradigm shifts were emphasized as a necessity, but the inaction itself is conceptualized as evidence of a barrier to wellness so it's leveraged for strategizing on better methods for management that are more suited to the client's capacities. We also make sure to leave room for these strategies to be adjusted until clients are ready to fully overcome their hindrances.

The most effective intervention that improves clients' motivations is the involvement of their support systems. Typically, the barriers they're facing and the reasons behind them being unpacked during the session bring forth the need to have sit-down talks with their loved ones. *Practicing that suggestion, they're able to verbally communicate the impact of the reactions and behaviors of the people around them which they've been repressing. *This frees them from their old self-concept and ultimately minimizes their hindrances.

After defining the specifics around the sequence of events that lead to the inaction of an assignment, analyses generally reveal that *clients feel unable due to complete them mostly due to the overwhelming pressure from expectations of accomplishing the assignment and/or apprehension of the mental labor being demanded by the task, as well as the potential impacts of the self-reflections that the task aims to bring to light. These reasons stop them from their tracks and/or deplete their mental energy to commit to the whole treatment.

Lawrence Barnier

Mental Health Officer

Women's Resources e-Information

https://www.wrei.org/

There are a few different ways to approach this situation. One way is to try to understand why the client is not doing the work. It could be that they do not understand what is expected of them, or they may feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to get started.

In these cases, it may be helpful to provide some guidance and support to help the client get started.

Another reason why a client may not be doing the work could be that they are not interested in changing their behavior. In these cases, the therapist may need to reassess the goals of therapy and decide if it is still appropriate to continue working with that client.

There are a number of interventions that can be helpful in motivating clients. One strategy is to set goals with the client and track their progress. This can help to provide feedback and encouragement and can help to show the client that they are making progress.

Another strategy is to provide positive reinforcement when the client demonstrates good behavior. This can help to encourage the client and can help to build a positive relationship with the therapist.

Finally, it is important to be understanding and supportive when the client does not meet their goals. This can help to provide motivation and can show the client that the therapist is there to help them.

Claudia Luiz

Psychoanalyst

http://www.claudialuiz.com

When clients “resist” in therapy, that resistance can yield more information than what the client can tell you consciously. If you focus on the resistances - why the homework isn’t getting done, why the client is stuck, why they can’t break negative patterns and integrate what they are learning - you are really getting into the zones that the client hasn’t been invited yet to explore.

We now know from neuroscience, the three areas of the brain that can hijack conscious effort. Fear, rage, and grief. When people are afraid of feeling things, they get stuck.

Neuroscience gives us a model for what the patient may be resisting. The other emotional zones, seeking, play, and love can be engaged in this exploration. The framework gives us a way of thinking of the clients' “stuckness” in a productive and creative way.

Joining the client in their “stuckness” with compassion and curiosity, while shifting the framework of what you are ultimately working on, avoids power struggles, or potentially shaming the client. It lets them know compassionately that we understand about resistances, and that talking more about feelings can hold the key to unlocking the mystery of what is standing in the way of progress.

Elisa Tidswell

Certified Coach and Therapist, Committed to Empowering Women, Breaking

Negative Generational Cycles, and Creating Economic Justice

https://elisatidswell.com

It's vital that therapists understand how to keep their clients accountable to their growth. Accountability is where therapists help their clients take action that will help them grow - and action is the only place where transformation takes place. Transformation is what clients pay their therapists for.

It's also really important that therapists get really good at accountability, otherwise, they can actually wind up demoralizing their clients. After all, if clients don't do their homework consistently they are likely to internalize it, believing that there is something wrong with them or that they are failing. This is the polar opposite of what therapists want for their clients.

So how can therapists help their clients do their homework? By cultivating an environment of curiosity and learning. Accountability is not about judgment or being 'told off', however, sadly this is exactly what many people believe it to be: they learned about accountability from their parents and school environments where not doing homework or handing in sub-par homework was met with shame. It's really important for therapists to dispel this mindset and ensure their clients know that accountability is about learning.

The best approach I have found after coaching hundreds of clients to stay accountable is to include three main parts to the accountability conversation. The first is for the client to share a win: something positive that's happened since they last met with their therapist. This could be an insight, a decision, a process (such as 'I felt my feelings!'), or something extrinsic, such as a pay rise. Sharing a win is important to put the client in a state of abundance and is commonly used by positive psychologists in their practice.

The second part is to consider a goal or homework that the client did do, and break it down to see why they did it. For example, what were they thinking, how were they feeling about it, how did the goal tie in with their values, what was their motivation to get it done, did they tell others about it, had they put it in their diary, and so on. The therapist and the client want to learn about what works for them so that they can double down on it.

The third part is to consider a goal or homework that the client didn't do and then see what they can learn from why they didn't do it. Was the goal too big and overwhelming, and actually needed to be broken down into smaller steps? Were they clear on how to get started with the homework or was their understanding fuzzy? Was the homework tied in with their vision or values? Had they put it in their diary? Did they have support from others? Was a limiting belief getting in the way? Once the therapist and client have learned more about why they didn't do it, they can create a new goal to support them in achieving the original one.

The best action a therapist can take in supporting their clients with their homework is to let go of judgement and to a growth mindset. They have to see accountability itself as a learning exercise where they can explore

what's going on for the client, and understand what works for them.

Trish Glynn, LMHC, CRC

Licensed mental health counselor

Owner and therapist at The Carey Center

https://careycenter.squarespace.com/

Therapy is all about meeting the client where they’re at. Of

course, therapy will work best when the client is actively engaged both in and outside the therapy room. Results tend to be better and come faster. But not everyone is doing the work when they leave the appointment. There can be many reasons as well as many ways to address this. As a therapist, you want to try to figure out the “why” as that will help you determine next best steps.

For example, maybe you’re assigning work that is “too much” or isn’t a good fit for them. Are you asking a client to journal every week when sitting down to write is a mismatch for them?

Part of therapy is figuring out why the client is stuck. That takes time and talking about it in order to understand what the individual reason and best response may be.

In some cases, we just need more details, and so we keep talking and exploring to figure it out.

The client has a reason for what they do or don’t do – and therapy is about finding that out. Progress can come from discussing things the client has maybe never talked about with anyone before.

Also, it can be helpful to seek out some emotionally compelling reasons for change. If you can come up with some really meaningful “why” that speaks to the client, that can create a shift. Logic is often useless. We often know why we should do things. Yet, we don’t. But emotion can get us moving. What interventions have you found to be helpful in motivating clients?

A lot depends on client preference. As a therapist, it’s important to build rapport and get to know who is in front of you. That’s the ideal way to figure out what will work best for them. Because something can be incredibly effective, but if it’s not a good fit for a particular person, it won’t matter. Often, an eclectic approach is best. We are all so very different. One of the most important elements in therapy is the relationship. That matters more than any particular intervention. That’s why people go to therapy to talk to someone – a self-help book, for example, can list out some

interventions, but nothing compares to the human relationship, the rapport, the empathy, and the positive regard, which occurs in the therapy room. You can’t buy that off a shelf. Elaborate on any details you find helpful for explaining the mindset of the client and how it changes.

Therapy involves understanding the current mindset of the client. We want to understand if it’s fixed, or more growth-oriented, for example. We want to consider how their mindset both helps and hinders them. It’s usually a fixed mindset that gets us into trouble. We think we can’t change and our circumstances, too, can’t change. We will give up more easily and ignore helpful feedback. With a growth mindset, we know we are a work in progress. We are more open to accepting challenges. We are more able to seek them out.

Changing from fixed to growth involves challenging current thoughts. For instance, you can get stuck making a lot of false assumptions. You can begin to question your thoughts. Is that true? How do I know? What else might be happening here? Am I being too black and white, and missing the grey areas?

We have to notice where our mindset is now. Then we begin questioning it. We begin really getting deliberate about looking at our thoughts. For most of us, we don’t really spend much time if any thinking about our thoughts. It can help to start pausing to consider what thoughts are in your mind. And then we can start examining them and challenging them. And that’s when we can begin to create a shift. We can’t change what we don’t look at and understand.

Janelle Marshall, LPC

Marshall Gray Counseling Services

https://www.marshallgraycounselling.com

How do you navigate clients who faithfully come to therapy, but don't do the work?

I check in with the client and help process any challenges that are interfering with their ability to do the work. Sometimes the perception of the client not “doing the work” is an indicator of emotional trauma or blockage that needs to be processed.

Journaling is one of my favorite interventions to share with clients. I find it helpful for clients to visualize their therapeutic goals and their thoughts behind how their lives will reflect the efforts attempted. Habit tracking is a tool that helps take motivation a step further with clients that are committed to the therapeutic process. I have a collection of reflective habit tracker journals that serve as a guide to help the user align their actions with their desired goals.

As a solution-focused therapist, I help prepare my clients to embrace the evolution of their mindset throughout our journey together. It’s also understood that the client’s anticipated mindset change is contingent upon their willingness to commit to the work assigned in and out of the session.

Miriam Manela

The Thrive Group

https://childrenbloom.com/

The best motivation for clients is first and foremost for the therapist to let go of having a NEED to change their client, to let go of convincing their client to change and to simply allow the client to do what they have been doing and nothing different.

I usually tell clients, without any judgment, but just to give them an awareness that typically when the follow-up program is kept then results are significantly faster. If there is no follow-up done, that is okay, I just like them to be aware that therapy can take quite a bit longer then.

The third technique I use in therapy to motivate clients to change from within themselves is to create intentions. Rather than giving the client something they need to do, I would make an intention with them, which they could say once a day to give themselves the awareness of their challenge. Or if not, they may only use their intention once a week when they come to me for a session.

An intention would sound something like, I noticed that when someone questions my authority, I get very agitated. or I noticed that when my child comes home from school, or my boss walks into my office I feel flustered, overwhelmed, frustrated or anxious, etc. So without needing to tell the client to do any specific exercise at home, we've instead created together an intention to repeat every day to give themselves awareness. I may have them create a reminder on their phone with it or post a sticky note in their bedroom or bathroom.

Just remembering their awareness helps them remember what to do to calm down, on their own.

Danielle Bagus, MSW, LSW

Relief Mental Health

https://www.reliefmh.com

When a client seeks out therapy, faithfully attends without fail but once in session we are going over the same issues over and over again and I have found they are not doing the work on themselves outside of the therapy sessions, I attempt to look for a support system that may help them.

This might be a significant other, a parent, sibling, friend, etc. I ask who is in their close circle who they trust to help hold them accountable. I will also hold them accountable but sometimes encouragement coming from a loved one or someone they don't want to let down will mean more.

I also have found that the homework might not necessarily match up with their skill set or what they are willing to put in at that time. Therefore, as their therapist, it's my responsibility to find a new method or way to connect with the client and help them be successful.

One size does not fit all when it comes to therapy. Therapists need to have lots of tools in their toolkit to meet the needs of the client and ultimately to meet the client where they are in the process of therapy.

I think this can really depend on the client and what they need out of therapy. I find that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works the best to motivate my clients to continue to do the work outside of therapy. CBT helps people with such a wide range of mental health issues and ultimately helps with really digging deep to find new ways of thinking, coping and behaving in certain situations.

Clients seek therapy for many different reasons. Some want to change their mindset, some wish to seek outside advice or help on a specific situation or topic (divorce, relationship, school based issues, family issues, etc.), some come because they have been diagnosed with a mental illness (bipolar, depression, schizophrenia, eating disorder, OCD) and need help maintaining a healthy mindset, some clients want an outside person to just listen, the list goes on. As a therapist, you are there to be an impartial, nonjudgmental resource for the client. You are there to help them realize different ways of doing things and different ways of thinking.

The client takes the first step in seeking out therapy but also needs to be the one doing the work and willing to change what they have always done with the guidance of their therapist. It's important for the therapist to always ask what the client wants out of therapy or a specific session. Sometimes the client doesn't know but I think our clients are more self-aware than they realize. If you can ask the right questions, they ultimately will tell you what they need, want or expect to get out of therapy in general or even a specific session.

Kellie Brown, LMHC, NCC, MCAP, (she, her)

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Owner of Quiet Water Counseling in Florida

https://www.QuietWaterCounseling.com

Oftentimes when a client comes regularly to therapy but does not want to do work outside of sessions it comes down to the client being afraid of making changes in their lives. People get so use to doing things one way it is very hard to change directions and try something new.

So instead of setting clients up for failure by giving them a huge homework assignment that is very likely overwhelming and they probably won't do, I give them very small tasks to accomplish.

So instead of giving a client the homework assignment of going to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting or joining a gym, I ask clients to research AA meetings, or research local gyms. The next week I might ask them to just drive to the location of the meeting, or drive to the gym location, but tell them they don't have to go in, I just want them to physically see where it is located.

Giving smaller homework assignments tends to help break down a huge change into something more manageable.

Elizabeth Mateer, MS, MA, LMHCA *(she/her/they)

Director, Divergent Wellbeing https://www.divergentwellbeing.com

Lead with curiosity. Asking why didn't you do X this week like we talked about automatically leads to defensiveness and shuts down motivation to discuss what happened. Something like After our conversation last week, you seemed excited to work on using that coping skill. I'm curious about what the barrier was when you thought about applying it this week. This framing allows the client to explore the *process* of doing the work, rather than the content of I didn't do it.

Don't let it go. As therapists, we tend to feel compassion and understanding toward our client's challenges. While this is an important skill in many aspects of therapy, it can sometimes be tempting to let it go when our clients are consistently not doing the work outside of therapy. This is not only avoidant ourselves, but it doesn't serve our clients by teaching them to take accountability for their well-being. We can still be compassionate while being direct.

Meet them where they are at. Clients know when they aren't doing what they said they would, and yet, they are still showing up. That says a lot about the relationship and trust you've already built with them. Highlighting any progress you see, regardless of how small, is an effective way to motivate clients to continue moving forward. Sometimes these clients just move at a slower pace than others we see coming into therapy ready to take action, and that's OK.

Self-reflect on what we are asking from them and if it is too much. Sometimes as therapists we see the potential a client has and give homework assignments that are beyond what is realistic in the present moment, especially if we have seen our clients for a long time and have an idea of what they are capable of. Is there a way to break down the work into smaller, more achievable pieces? For some clients, if a task seems too aspirational or unrealistic, they won't attempt it at all. Smaller steps towards progress are better than no progress at all.

Steve Carleton, LCSW, CACIII

Gallus Detox

https://www.gallusdetox.com/

Navigating clients who come to therapy but don't complete their homework can be difficult and often requires a tailored approach.

The first step is to create an honest dialogue with the client about why they are not completing the assigned tasks.It could be that the tasks are too challenging or time-consuming, or that they don't understand what is expected of them. It is important to understand the underlying reasons behind the lack of motivation, and build a plan together that works for both parties.

The next step is to offer alternative homework assignments that are tailored to each individual client's needs. This could include reading an article or book related to the problem being discussed in therapy, journaling about their thoughts and feelings, writing a letter to their future self, or attending a workshop or class related to the topic. It might even be more helpful to ask your client what they would like to work on or what they would find most helpful. This will help to make the homework assignments more meaningful and will give them a sense of ownership over their progress.

The last step is for the therapist to provide ongoing support and accountability for their client's progress. Check-ins at the end of each session are a great way to ensure that homework is being completed, and providing regular feedback can help the client stay motivated. Above all else, try to create an environment of understanding and acceptance that encourages your client to be open and honest about their progress. With patience and dedication, you can help your clients reach their goals.

Nirmala Bijraj, LMHC, NCC, She/Her/Hers*

Aligned Self, LLC

https://alignedself.co

I explore with them why they don't do the homework, what about getting it done, and doing it, makes it difficult.

I usually start with the least possibly intrusive change. We explore the change they want to make, identify the first step and then explore how to incorporate that change with the least amount of barriers and effort possible to start to build a new habit.

I've found if we start with something that feels like the least amount of effort, takes the least amount of time, and is the least intrusive on their life and schedule, then the client is most likely to do it.

For example: A client wants to work out in the mornings: *(this is a real scenario that I've worked with clients on with these steps). We start with building the habit of getting into gym clothes first thing in the morning when they wake up, the goal is to start the habit, we don't focus on how many times they work out or if they work out at all, just starting the first part of the process.

Then a week or two later or more depending on the client, we would add a 10-20 minute workout, something that they can actually make the time to do, 5 minutes if that's all the time they have to start with, again the least amount of effort that will help them start building the habit. And then continue to build on that habit until they're where they want to be with that goal.

Lindsey Ferris, MS, LMFTA

Individual & Couples Psychotherapist

https://www.talkhealthrive.com

If I notice that clients are coming regularly and sticking with therapy, but I'm not seeing progress or an effort to do out-of-session homework. I will bring this up directly to the client to ask them what they are seeing and how they are experiencing therapy. If they are seeing the changes and growth, they want to see, then I'll have them elaborate on this so I can understand from their perspective what growth and change looks like.

Oftentimes it takes checking in with my client to learn that they in fact are feeling the benefits and see growth in themselves in different ways than what I may be looking for, and it is a good idea to level set vs. assume that 'work' isn't being done or growth isn't happening.

If I find that clients are resistant to homework, or not making progress towards their therapeutic goals, I will address this directly and ask them what is getting in the way of doing homework and impacting their ability to engage fully in their therapy process. This can often lead to areas that need to be addressed first, before other priorities, so that any

therapy-interfering behavior can be resolved and progress can continue.

I find that oftentimes addressing directly with clients what I am observing in therapy interfering behavior or lack of compliance to homework can lead to thought-provoking insight and dialogue and instigate a change in how the client sees the way they show up for therapy. Once it is out on the table as a barrier to therapy compliance, the client and I can have an open dialogue about when either of us see it coming up in the room to work towards behaviors and changes that they want to see. When a client has insight into patterns that may be blocking them from growth, it can be a true aha moment that changes the engagement and adherence to therapeutic homework and growth.

William Schroeder

Licensed Counselor and Owner of Just Mind LLC

https://justmind.org/

Every therapist has clients like this and it's a helpful thing to not beat around the bush about. If you notice someone is saying they are motivated and then not doing the work, the meat of the therapy is digging into what's getting in the way.

Motivational interviewing could be one way to approach this. On a scale of 1-10, how motivated are you to see X change. If it's low, then that's helpful to know and you might need a new target. If it's high and there isn't follow through, then you need to see what ideas they have that might help them have success and assess their perception of those as well.

Sometimes trauma can get in the way and it can help to make sure this is properly assessed. There are a number of trauma screens but trauma can be a big barrier to change if it's not dealt with. Things like EMDR can be helpful in treating PTSD, for instance. 100% of single-trauma incidents and 77% of multiple-trauma survivors no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD after 6 fifty-minute EMDR sessions.

It also can be helpful to assess ADHD to see if that's possibly a complicating factor. The World Health Organization has a simple test clinicians or clients can use to see if they might meet criteria.”

Alexandra Alex Cromer, LPC

Thrive Works

https://thriveworks.com/richmond-therapy/

A great tactic to navigate this is to have an honest conversation on their progress and introduce them to your theoretical framework/how you judge and measure client success.

The Transtheoretical Model of Change is my personal favorite, and it takes into account client motivation and any barriers that might be keeping them from making continued progress.

Another tactic is to discuss one of the main goals of therapy with a client; making the client more effective in their daily lives. Through this lens, we can invite the client into a bidirectional conversation in which we discuss progress and change as well as ways in which they believe your time together in therapy is effective.

I tend to favor a lot of motivational interviewing techniques as well as cognitive challenging skills to help motivate clients. If a client is faithfully attending session but is not doing the work, we could ask them a cognitive challenging question to get them to explore and identify their current patterns and routines and the efficacy of these.

Motivational interviewing techniques are similar in this way, in that they require work and active reflection on the part of the client in order to answer the questions. The most effective techniques to motivate clients are the ones which require the clients to do active work and are not closed-ended questions. The more you can allow a client to engage in self-reflection, research shows client motivation and propensity to change increases.

One of the biggest frustrations that therapists experience is a client who is seemingly not putting in the work or reportedly making progress and change. It's very common for a therapist to assume that a client is unwilling to change and is purposefully resistant to the process. Often, this is not the case and the client's stagnation can be better explained through a theoretical lens. For example, using the Transtheoretical Model of Change, we can identify that client barriers to progress come in the form of fear of failure, anxiety, and perceived low self-esteem, rather than willful ignorance.

Honest, direct conversations with clients allow them to see themselves through your perspective, and vice versa. Typically, research shows that clients who have a high sense of self-efficacy have a higher propensity to engage in change making behaviors. Therapists can increase client self-efficacy by continuing to engage clients in

Self-reflection.

Wrapping up…

The bottom line is that when clients do their homework things progress quicker, but when clients DON’T do their homework, we get new insights to resistances and what is actually going on inside. Thank you to all the fantastic therapists that contributed to this article! With great insight comes improved well-being.

You can find the original article published here: https://www.psychreg.org/therapists-weigh-how-motivate-clients-who-dont-do-their-therapy-homework/

Feel free to download the interactive PDF but don't forget to share the link to our page!!

Recent Posts

What to Say to Staff After a Tragedy: Corporate Communication Strategies

How to Help Someone With Anxiety: Practical Tips and Strategies

How to Improve Mother-Daughter Relationships: Effective Techniques and Tips

  • Setups & Tech
  • iOS & Mac

How to Motivate Yourself to Do Homework

We all know the drill: homework can be a real drag sometimes. It’s tough staring down a mountain of assignments and not knowing where to even start. And let’s not even talk about those last minute all-nighters just to hit ‘submit’ right before class starts.

Feeling stuck and uninspired to do your homework? Get scrolling for quick and easy strategies to motivate yourself to do homework!

Looking for more student productivity tips? Subscribe to The Flow — our free quick, snappy, value-packed focus and recharge newsletter:

  • First Name First

1. Break It Down

If your to-do list seems too large, try breaking it down into smaller, more manageable chunks.

Have 10 chapters of your textbook to read? Try reading the first paragraph only. Need to write a 1000-word paper? Start by writing the first sentence. Treat each chunk as a mini-goal that can be easily achieved. Soon enough, you’ll be surprised by how much work you’re able to accomplish already, and the momentum will keep you going.

Looking for a way to stay on top of your workload? Here are some of the best Notion assignment trackers to help you out.

2. Develop Routine & Structure

When motivation fails, discipline takes over. By making doing homework a habit, it’s easier to jump back into your study routine and get your tasks done. Start by creating a daily schedule that works for you and do your best to stick with it. Make use of digital planners, grade calculators, and assignment trackers to make doing homework streamlined and more efficient.

Check out some of the best Notion templates for students that you can incorporate into your work routine!

3. Elevate Your Study Space with Aesthetic Tools

The right visuals can be game-changers for your work sessions. A captivating background or well-designed tool can make the difference between slogging through your work and truly enjoying it. When your workspace is a feast for the eyes, you’re naturally more inclined to hunker down and get things done.

Whether it’s a Pomodoro timer set against a Parisian café backdrop or a virtual escape to Mount Fuji, aesthetics can turn your study grind into something you actually look forward to.

If you’re on the hunt for a one-stop-shop for all your study aesthetics, give Flocus a try. It’s a free browser-based productivity dashboard with customizable Pomodoro timers, inspiring quotes, and personalized greetings. Flocus brings a bit of romance to your daily grind. For more options, check out our full round-up of aesthetic study websites .

4. Form a Study Group

Sometimes, all we need is that extra push from our classmates who are doing the same thing to keep us motivated to finish our homework. Share your concerns, bounce ideas off each other, and lean on one another for support. That said, forming a strong support group early on in your school life can really make all the difference.

Not in the mood to meet up with friends at the library? Join the Flocus Discord server with thousands of productivity lovers and students to help you stay accountable and motivated.

5. Connect to Your “Why”

If you’re feeling unmotivated while sitting on a pile of math problems, why not try thinking about the bigger picture? Reflect on how mastering this specific topic can contribute to larger goals that you might have. The homework you’re doing might seem insignificant right now, but it’s slowly building the way for future successes in life.

6. Progress over Perfection

One of the main reasons why students usually procrastinate doing homework is the desire to do it perfectly — but this unhealthy need for perfection might be what’s killing your productivity and motivation. If you’ve spent the last three hours trying to curate the perfect plan to do your assignment, you’re probably doing it wrong. Just get started, and let the momentum guide you! You can always come back and improve later on.

7. Look for Inspiration

Reading self help books, watching study vlogs, or listening to podcasts are all effective means to learn how to stay motivated and boost your productivity. Don’t worry, motivation also often comes from the most unexpected places — a random sticky note, an unexpected text message, or a line from your favorite TV show character.

Check out our curated list of the best study motivation movies to get going with a dose of inspiration!

8. Rest When Needed

Knowing you have loads of schoolwork coming is stressful enough. Maximize the long breaks between Pomodoro sessions by grabbing a snack, doing breathing exercises , stretching, or taking a nap. Having a good amount of rest is a part of being productive and staying motivated.

That wraps up some of our best homework motivation strategies! With these techniques at your disposal, we can only hope that those long overdue assignments will become a thing of the past.

Did we miss any strategies to stay motivated while doing homework? Which strategy is your favorite to use? Let us know in the comments below!

Gridfiti is supported by its audience – when you buy something using the retail links in our posts, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.  Read more  about our affiliate disclaimer.

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy preferences.

how to get someone to do their homework

  • Privacy Overview
  • Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Home / Expert Articles / Child Behavior Problems / School & Homework

The Homework Battle: How to Get Children to Do Homework

By debbie pincus, ms lmhc.

Teen girl with hands on head frustrated by homework

Parents often feel it’s their job to get their kids to do well in school. Naturally, you might get anxious about this responsibility as a parent. You might also get nervous about your kids succeeding in life—and homework often becomes the focus of that concern.

But when parents feel it’s their responsibility to get their kids to achieve, they now need something from their children—they need them to do their homework and be a success. I believe this need puts you in a powerless position as a parent because your child doesn’t have to give you what you want.

The battle about homework becomes a battle over control. Your child starts fighting to have more control over the choices in their life, while you feel that your job as a parent is to be in control of things. So you both fight harder, and it turns into a war in your home.

Over the years, I’ve talked to many parents who are in the trenches with their kids, and I’ve seen firsthand that there are many creative ways kids rebel when it comes to schoolwork. Your child might forget to do their homework, do their homework but not hand it in, do it sloppily or carelessly, or not study properly for their test. These are just a few ways that kids try to hold onto the little control they have.

When this starts happening, parents feel more and more out of control, so they punish, nag, threaten, and argue. Some parents stop trying altogether to get their children to do homework. Or, and this is common, parents will over-function for their kids by doing the work for them.

Now the battle is in full swing: reactivity is heightened as anxiety is elevated—and homework gets lost in the shuffle. The hard truth for parents is that you cannot make your children do anything, let alone homework. But what you can do is to set limits, respect their individual choices, and help motivate them to motivate themselves.

You might be thinking to yourself, “You don’t know my child. I can’t motivate him to do anything.” Many parents tell me that their children are not motivated to do their work. I believe that children are motivated—they just may not be motivated the way you’d like them to be. Keep reading for some concrete tips to help you guide them in their work without having to nag, threaten, or fight with them.

Offer for FREE Empowering Parents Personal Parenting Plan

Also, keep in mind that if you carry more of the worry, fear, disappointments, and concern than your child does about their work, ask yourself, “What’s wrong with this picture, and how did this happen?” Remember, as long as you carry their concerns, they don’t have to.

Stop the Nightly Fights

The way you can stop fighting with your kids over homework every night is to stop fighting with them tonight. Disengage from the dance. Choose some different steps or decide not to dance at all. Let homework stay where it belongs—between the teacher and the student. Stay focused on your job, which is to help your child do their job. Don’t do it for them.

If you feel frustrated, take a break from helping your child with homework. Your blood pressure on the rise is a no-win for everyone. Take five or ten minutes to calm down, and let your child do the same if you feel a storm brewing.

Create Structure Around Homework Time

Set limits around homework time. Here are a few possibilities that I’ve found to be effective with families:

  • Homework is done at the same time each night.
  • Homework is done in a public area of your house.
  • If grades are failing or falling, take away screen time so your child can focus and have more time to concentrate on their work.
  • Make it the rule that weekend activities don’t happen until work is completed. Homework comes first. As James Lehman says, “The weekend doesn’t begin until homework is done.”

Let Your Child Make Their Own Choices

I recommend that your child be free to make their own choices within the parameters you set around schoolwork. You need to back off a bit as a parent. Otherwise, you won’t be helping them with their responsibilities.

If you take too much control over the situation, it will backfire on you by turning into a power struggle. And believe me, you don’t want a power struggle over homework. I’ve seen many kids purposely do poorly just to show their parents who’s in charge. I’ve also seen children who complied to ease their parents’ anxiety, but these same kids never learned to think and make choices for themselves.

Let Your Child Own the Consequences of Their Choices

I’m a big believer in natural consequences when it comes to schoolwork. Within the structure you set up, your child has some choices. They can choose to do their homework or not. And they can choose to do it well and with effort or not. The natural consequences will come from their choices—if they don’t choose to do their work, their grades will drop.

When that happens, you can ask them some honest questions:

“Are you satisfied with how things are going?”

“What do you want to do about your grade situation?”

“How can I be helpful to you?”

Be careful not to be snarky or judgmental. Just ask the question honestly. Show honest concern and try not to show disappointment.

Intervene Without Taking Control

The expectation is that homework is done to the best of your child’s ability. When they stop making an effort, and you see their grades drop, that’s when you invite yourself in. You can say:

“It’s my job to help you do your job better. I’m going to help you set up a plan to help yourself, and I will check in to make sure you’re following it.”

Set up a plan with your child’s input to get them back on their feet. For example, the new rules might be that homework must be done in a public place in your home until they get their grades back up. You and your child might meet with the teacher to discuss disciplinary actions should their grades continue to drop.

In other words, you will help your child get back on track by putting a concrete plan in place. And when you see this change, you can step back out of it. But before that, your child is going to sit in a public space and you’re going to monitor their work.

You’re also checking in more. Depending on your child’s age, you’re making sure that things are checked off before they go out. You’re adding a half-hour of review time for their subjects every day. And then, each day after school, they’re checking with their teacher or going for some extra help.

Remember, this plan is not a punishment—it’s a practical way of helping your child to do their best.

“I Don’t Care about Bad Grades!”

Many parents will say that their kids just don’t care about their grades. My guess is that somewhere inside, they do care. “I don’t care” also becomes part of a power struggle.

In other words, your child is saying, “I’m not going to care because you can’t make me. You don’t own my life.” And they’re right. The truth is, you can’t make them care. Instead, focus on what helps their behavior improve. And focus more on their actions and less on their attitude because it’s the actions that matter the most.

Motivation Comes From Ownership

It’s important to understand that caring and motivation come from ownership. You can help your child be motivated by allowing them to own their life more.

So let them own their disappointment over their grades. Don’t feel it more than they do. Let them choose what they will do or not do about their homework and face the consequences of those choices. Now they will begin to feel ownership, which may lead to caring.

Let them figure out what motivates them, not have them motivated by fear of you. Help guide them, but don’t prevent them from feeling the real-life consequences of bad choices. Think of it this way: it’s better for your child to learn from those consequences at age ten by failing their grade and having to go to summer school than for them to learn at age 25 by losing their job.

When Your Child Has a Learning Disability

I want to note that it’s very important that you check to see that there are no other learning issues around your child’s refusal to do homework. If they’re having difficulty doing the work or are performing below grade-level expectations, they should be tested to rule out any learning disabilities or other concerns.

If there is a learning disability, your child may need more help. For example, some kids need a little more guidance; you may need to sit near your child and help a little more. You can still put structures into place depending on who your child is.

Advertisement for Empowering Parents Total Transformation Online Package

But be careful. Many times, kids with learning disabilities get way too much help and develop what psychologists call learned helplessness . Be sure you’re not over-functioning for your learning disabled child by doing their work for them or filling in answers when they’re capable of thinking through them themselves.

The Difference Between Guidance and Over-Functioning

Your child needs guidance from you, but understand that guidance does not mean doing their spelling homework for them. Rather, it’s helping them review their words. When you cross the line into over-functioning, you take on your child’s work and put their responsibilities on your shoulders. So you want to guide them by helping them edit their book report themselves or helping them take the time to review before a test. Those can be good ways of guiding your child, but anything more than that is taking too much ownership of their work.

If your child asks for help, you can coach them. Suggest that they speak with their teacher on how to be a good student and teach them those communication skills. In other words, show them how to help themselves. So you should not back off altogether—it’s that middle ground that you’re looking for. That’s why I think it’s essential to set up a structure. And within that structure, you expect your child to do what they have to do to be a good student.

Focus on Your Own Goals

When you start over-focusing on your child’s work, pause and think about your own goals and what do you need to get done to achieve those goals. Model your own persistence and perseverance to your child.

Believe In Your Child

I also tell parents to start believing in their children. Don’t keep looking at your child as a fragile creature who can’t do the work. I think we often come to the table with fear and doubt—we think if we don’t help our kids, they’re just not going to do it.

But as much as you say, “I’m just trying to help you,” what your child hears is, “You’re a failure; I don’t believe you can do it on your own.”

Instead, your message should be, “I know you can do it. And I believe in you enough to let you make your own choices and deal with the consequences.”

Related content: What Can I Do When My Child Refuses to Go to School? “My Child Refuses to Do Homework” — How to Stop the Nightly Struggle Over Schoolwork

For more information on the concept of learned helplessness in psychology and behavior, we recommend the following articles:

Psychology Today: Learned Helplessness

VeryWell Mind: What Is Learned Helplessness and Why Does it Happen?

About Debbie Pincus, MS LMHC

For more than 25 years, Debbie has offered compassionate and effective therapy and coaching, helping individuals, couples and parents to heal themselves and their relationships. Debbie is the creator of the Calm Parent AM & PM™ program and is also the author of numerous books for young people on interpersonal relations.

You must log in to leave a comment. Don't have an account? Create one for free!

Frank My daughter Nina just turned 8 (Feb 11). She does not like to do homework one bit. Her teacher gives her homework every day except Friday. She loves Fridays because she doesn't like homework. She always hides her homework under her bed, refuses to do her homework, and in the More morning she tells her teacher "I lost it last night and can't find it!". She feels homework is a waste of time, yes, we all feel that way, but poor Nina needs to learn that homework is important to help you stay smart. She needs to start doing homework. How can I make her 2nd-grade brain know that homework is actually good? Is there a way to make her love, love, LOVE homework? Let me know.

Rebecca Wolfenden, Parent Coach We appreciate you writing in to Empowering Parents and sharing your story. Because we are a website aimed at helping people become more effective parents, we are limited in the advice and suggestions we can give to those outside of a direct parenting role. In addition to the tips in More the article above, it may be helpful to look into local resources to help you develop a plan for addressing these particular issues with your cousins, such as their doctor or their teachers. We wish you the best going forward. Take care.

Rebecca Wolfenden, Parent Coach I hear you. Homework can be a challenging, frustrating time in many families even under the best of circumstances, so you are not alone. When kids struggle with a subject, it can be even more difficult to get assignments completed. Although you didn’t indicate that your daughter More has ADHD, you might find some helpful tips in Why School is Hard for Kids with ADHD—and How You Can Help . Author Anna Stewart outlines techniques that can be useful to help make homework more interesting for kids with a variety of learning challenges in this article. You might also consider checking in with your daughter’s teacher, as s/he might have some additional ideas for engaging your daughter in her homework. Please be sure to write back and let us know how things are going for you and your family. Take care.

So, after reading this I get to say…GREAT…You really do not know my child.  We have done 100% of everything listed in this article.  In the end, my son has utterly declared “I DON’T CARE, AND I DON’T NEED SCHOOL”.  We have attempted a “reward” system as well, and that doesn’t work.  He cares about 3 or 4 things.  Nintendo DS, Lego, K’Nex, TV…all of those he has lost over the past year.  Now he reads, ALL the time.  Fine, but that doesn’t get his homework done.  It also doesn’t get anything else he needs to do done.  We’ve done “task boards”, we’ve done “Reward Systems”, we’ve done the “What is on your list to complete”.  EVERYTHING is met with either a full fledged meltdown (think 2 year old…on the floor, kicking and screaming and crying).  His IMMEDIATE response to ANYTHING that may interrupt him is “NO” or worse.  If something doesn’t go his way directly he throws a fit INSTANTLY, even if the response is “Give me a second” it’s NOW OR I’M DESTROYING SOMETHING.  He’s been suspended multiple times for his anger issues, and he’s only 10.  Unfortuantely we have no family history as he was adopted from Russia.  His “formal” diagnosis are ADHD and Anxiety.  I’m thinking there is something much more going on.  BTW: He did have an IQ test and that put him at 145 for Spacial and Geometric items, with a 136 for written and language.  His composite was 139, which puts him in the genius category, but he’s failing across the board…because he refuses to do the work.

Interesting article and comments. Our son (6th grade) was early diagnosed as ADHD and for the first 3 years of elementary school several of his teachers suggested he might require special education. But then the school counseling staff did a workup and determined that his IQ is 161 and from that point forward his classroom antics were largely tolerated as “eccentric”.  He has now moved to middle school (6th grade) and while his classroom participation seems to be satisfactory to all teachers, he has refused to do approximately 65% of his homework so far this school year. We have tried talking with him, reasoning with him, removing screen time, offering cash payments (which he lectures us as being unethical “bribes”), offering trips, offering hobbies and sporting events, and just about anything we can think of. Our other children have all been through the “talented and gifted” programs, but he simply refuses to participate in day-to-day school work. His fall report card was pretty much solid “F” or “O” grades. He may be bored out of his mind, or he may have some other issues. Unfortunately, home schooling is not an option, and neither is one of the $40,000 per year local private schools which may or may not be in a better position to deal with his approach to school.  Do “learning centers” work for kids like this? Paying somebody else to force him to do his homework seems like a coward’s solution but I am nearly at the end of my rope! Thanks..

RebeccaW_ParentalSupport 12yokosuka Many parents struggle with staying calm when their child is acting out and screaming, so you are not alone.  It tends to be effective to set up a structured time for kids to do their homework and study, and they can earn a privilege if they comply and meet More their responsibilities.  What this might look like for your daughter is that if she studies, she can earn her phone that day.  If she refuses, and chooses to argue or scream at you instead, then she doesn’t earn her phone that day and has another chance the next day.  You can read more about this in https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/end-the-nightly-homework-struggle-5-homework-strategies-that-work-for-kids/.  If you are also looking for resources to help you stay calm, I encourage you to check out our articles, blogs, and other resources on https://www.empoweringparents.com/article-categories/parenting-strategies-techniques/calm-parenting/.  Please let us know if you have any additional questions.  Take care.

Scott carcione 

I’m sorry to hear about the challenges you are experiencing with your

son.I also hear the different

approaches you and your ex are taking toward parenting your son.While it would be ideal if you were able to

find common ground, and present a consistent, united response to your son’s

choices, in the end, you can only https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/parenting-after-divorce-9-ways-to-parent-on-your-own-terms/.At

this point, it might be useful to meet with the school to discuss how you can

work together to hold your son accountable for his actions, such as receiving a

poor grade if he refuses to do his work.Janet Lehman discusses this more in https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/when-your-child-has-problems-at-school-6-tips-for-parents/.Take care.

It can be so challenging when your child is acting out at school, yet does

not act that way at home.One strategy I

recommend is talking with your son at home about his behavior at school.During this conversation, I encourage you to

address his choices, and come up with a specific plan for what he can do differently

to follow the rules.I also recommend

working with his teachers, and discussing how you can assist them in helping

your son to follow the rules.You might

find additional useful tips in our article, https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/acting-out-in-school-when-your-child-is-the-class-troublemaker/.Please be sure to write back and let us know

how things are going for you and your son.Take care.

I hear you.It can be so challenging

when your young child is having outbursts like this.A lot of young children tend to act out and

have tantrums when they are experiencing a big transition, such as starting a

new school or adjusting to having a younger sibling, so you are not alone.Something that can be helpful is to set up

clear structure and expectations around homework, as Janet Lehman points out in

https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/my-child-refuses-to-do-homework-heres-how-to-stop-the-struggle/.I also encourage you to set aside some time

for you to have https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/attention-seeking-behavior-in-young-children-dos-and-donts-for-parents/ with your daughter as well.Please be sure to write back and let us know

how things are going for you and your family.Take care.

JoJoSuma I am having the exact same problem with my 9 year old son. His grades are quickly falling and I have no idea why or where to begin with helping him turn things around. When he applies himself he receives score of 80% or higher, and when he doesn't it clearly shows and he receives failing scores. He, too, says that he doesn't do or want to do the work because it is boring, or that he "Forgot" or "lost it". He has started to become a disruption to the class and at this rate I am afraid that he will have to repeat 5th grade. I am also a single parent so my frustration is at an all time high. You are not alone and I wish you and your family the best.

Thank you so much for these tips RebeccaW_ParentalSupport because I SERIOUSLY had nowhere to turn and no clue where to begin. I have cried many nights feeling like I was losing control. I will try your tips and see where things go from here.

It’s not uncommon

for kids to avoid doing homework, chores or other similar tasks.  After

all, homework can be boring or difficult, and most people (both kids and adults

alike) tend to prefer activities which are enjoyable or fun.  This does

not mean that you cannot address this with your daughter, though. 

Something which can be helpful for many families is to set up a structured

homework time, and to require that your daughter complete her homework in order

to earn a privilege later on that evening.  You can read about this, and

other tips, in https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/end-the-nightly-homework-struggle-5-homework-strategies-that-work-for-kids/. 

Please be sure to write back and let us know how things are going for you and

your daughter.  Take care.

Thestruggleisreal I'm just now signing up for these articles, I'm struggling with my 12 year and school work, she just doesn't want to do it, she has no care I'm world to do, she is driving me crazy over not doing, I hate to see her More fail, but I don't know what to do

FamilyMan888 

I can hear how much your

daughter’s education means to you, and the additional difficulties you are

facing as a result of her learning disabilities.  You make a great point

that you cannot force her to do her work, or get additional help, and I also

understand your concern that getting her teachers to “make” her do these things

at school might create more conflict there as well.  As James Lehman

points out in his article, https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/stop-the-blame-game-how-to-teach-your-child-to-stop-making-excuses-and-start-taking-responsibility/, lowering your expectations for your daughter due to her

diagnosis is probably not going to be effective either.  Instead, what you

might try is involving her in the https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/the-surprising-reason-for-bad-child-behavior-i-cant-solve-problems/, and asking her what she thinks she needs, and what she will do

differently, to meet classroom expectations.  Please be sure to write back

and let us know how things are going for you and your family.  Take care.

tvllpit Very effective to  kids age of 5, 7, and 11 years old. Thank you for sharing your idea.

Thank you for

your question.  You are correct that we recommend setting up a structured

time for kids to do homework, yet not getting into a power struggle with them

if they refuse to do their work during that time.  It could be useful to

talk with your 11 year old about what makes it difficult to follow through with

doing homework at that time, and perhaps experimenting with doing homework at

another time to see if that works more effectively.  In the end, though,

if your child is simply refusing to do the work, then we recommend giving a

consequence and avoiding a power struggle.  Megan Devine details this

process more in her article, https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/end-the-nightly-homework-struggle-5-homework-strategies-that-work-for-kids/. 

Please let us know if you have any additional questions.  Take care.

jovi916 I'm a mother to a 10 year old 5th grader. Since 3rd grade I've been struggling with homework. That first year, I thought it was just lack of consistency since my children go between mine and dad's house. I tried setting some sort of system up with More the teacher to get back on track, but the teacher said it was the child's responsibility to get the hw done. This year has been esp. Difficult. He stopped doing hw, got an F, so I got on him. He stared turning half done work, but same grades so I still got on him. Grades went up, I loosened up, then he stopped with in school work. Now it's back to not turning anything in, even big projects and presentations. He had never really been allowed to watch tv, but now it's a definite no, I took his Legos away, took him out of sports. Nothing is working. He's basically sitting at the table every night, and all weekend long in order to get caught up with missing assignments. I'm worried, and next year he'll be in middle school. I try setting an example by studying in front of him. My daughter just does her homework and gets good grades. Idk what to do.

I can hear your concern. Academic achievement is important

to most parents and when your children seem to be struggling to complete their

work and get good grades, it can be distressing. Ultimately, your childrens’

school work and grades are their responsibility. You shouldn’t have to quit

your own studies in order to help them improve theirs. The above article gives

some great tips for helping motivate your children to complete their homework.

We do have a couple other articles you may also find useful: https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/10-ways-to-motivate-your-child-to-do-better-in-school/ & https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/sinking-fast-at-school-how-to-help-your-child-stay-afloat/. We appreciate you

writing in and hope you find the information useful. Take care.

RNM I have the exact same issues with my 8 year old. It makes me feel like I'm doing something wrong. He's a smart kid, he just doesn't seem to care to do his homework let alone if he gets a bad grade as a result. He hates reading, but does More very well in spelling and science. Homework is an issue nightly and the teacher pulled me aside today to tell me again how much he talks in class and that now he isn't writing down his assignments and is missing 3 assignments this week. SMH, I don't know what to do anymore other than to coach him (some more) and take away basketball if he doesn't do his homework.

What?  "Let homework stay where it belongs—between the teacher and the student. Refuse to get pulled in by the school.."  I do not see the logic or benefit of this advice.  Homework, by definition, is the responsibility of the student and parent (NOT the teacher).  The teacher does not live at the student's home or run the house.  

In my opinion, the lack of parental involvement with academics often causes the low student performance evident across the U.S.  I do not agree with advocating for even LESS parental involvement.

I completely agree with you. Parental, or adult, engagement at home can be a deal-maker/breaker when it comes to student performance. I subscribe to theories that differ from the author's.

First, if an adult is involved with the child and his activities, then the child will commonly react with "hey, somebody cares about me" leading to an increased sense of self-worth. A sense of caring about one's-self leads to caring about grades and other socially acceptable behaviors (Maslow).

Secondly, I am a FIRM believer in the techniques of behavior modification through positive reinforcement (Karen Pryor). It's up to an invested adult to determine what motivates the student and use those motivators to shape and reinforce desirable behavior such as daily homework completion. A classroom teacher has too many students and too little time to apply this theory.

Letting a child sink or swim by himself is a bad idea. Children have only one childhood; there are no do-overs.

And yes, children are work.

Many experience similar feelings of being at fault when

their child fails, so, you’re not alone. Truth of the matter is, allowing your

child to experience natural consequences of their actions by allowing them to

fail gives them the opportunity to look at themselves and change their

behavior.  We have a couple articles I think you may find helpful: When You Should Let Your Child Fail: The Benefits of Natural Consequences & 5 Natural Consequences You Should Let Your Child Face . Good luck to you and

your family moving forward. Take care.

hao hao It is so true, we can't control our children's home. It is their responsibility. But they don't care it. What can we do it?

indusreepradeep

How great it is that you want to help your brother be more

productive with his homework. He’s lucky to have a sibling who cares about him

and wants him to be successful. Because we are a website aimed at helping

parents develop better ways of managing acting out behavior, we are limited in

the advice we can offer you as his sibling. There is a website that may be able

to offer you some suggestions. http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/

is a website aimed at helping teens and young adults figure out ways of dealing

with challenges they may be facing in their lives. They offer several ways of

getting support, such as by e-mail or text, through an online forum and chat,

and also a call in helpline. You can check out what they have to offer at http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/. Good luck

to you and your family moving forward. Take care.

Kathleenann indusreepradeep

Thank you so much for your humble support....

It sounds like you have done a lot

of work to try to help your daughter achieve her educational goals, and it’s

normal to feel frustrated when she does not seem to be putting in the same

amount of effort.  It can be useful to keep your focus on whether your

daughter is doing her work, and to keep that separate from whether she “cares”

about doing her work.  Ultimately, it is up to your daughter to do her

work, regardless of how she appears to feel about it.  To that end, we

recommend working with the various local supports you have in place, such as

her therapists and others on her IEP team, to talk about what could be useful

to motivate your daughter to do her school work.  Because individuals with

autism can vary greatly with their abilities, it’s going to be more effective

to work closely with the professionals who are familiar with your daughter’s

strengths and level of functioning in order to develop a plan to address this

issue.  Thank you so much for writing in; we wish you and your daughter

all the best as you continue to address her difficulties with school. 

is there a blog for parents that went to Therapeutic boarding schooling for their adolescent?

Responses to questions posted on EmpoweringParents.com are not intended to replace qualified medical or mental health assessments. We cannot diagnose disorders or offer recommendations on which treatment plan is best for your family. Please seek the support of local resources as needed. If you need immediate assistance, or if you and your family are in crisis, please contact a qualified mental health provider in your area, or contact your statewide crisis hotline.

We value your opinions and encourage you to add your comments to this discussion. We ask that you refrain from discussing topics of a political or religious nature. Unfortunately, it's not possible for us to respond to every question posted on our website.

  • 1. "My Child Refuses to Do Homework" — How to Stop the Nightly Struggle Over Schoolwork
  • 2. What to Do When Your Child or Teen is Suspended or Expelled From School
  • 3. Acting Out in School: When Your Child is the Class Troublemaker
  • 4. Young Kids in School: Help for the Top 4 Behavior Problems
  • 5. When Your Child Has Problems at School: 6 Tips for Parents
  • 140,000+ Subscribers Subscribe
  • 50,000+ Fans Follow
  • 10,000+ Followers Follow
  • 6,000+ Followers Follow

Disrespect... defiance... backtalk... lack of motivation...

Frustrated and exhausted by your child's behavior?

Get your FREE Personal Parenting Plan today.

Does your child exhibit angry outbursts , such as tantrums, lashing out, punching walls, and throwing things?

Would you like to learn about how to use consequences more effectively?

Backtalk... complaints... arguments... attitude... just plain ignoring you

Do you struggle with disrespect or verbal abuse from your child?

Has your child been diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)?

Or does your child exhibit a consistent and severe pattern of anger, irritability, arguing, defiance, and vindictiveness toward you or other authority figures?

Intimidation... aggression... physical abuse and violence ...

Are you concerned that your child may physically hurt you or others?

You must select at least one category to create your Personal Parenting Plan:

We're just about finished! Create a secure account with Empowering Parents to access your Personal Parenting Plan.

  • PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
  • EDIT Edit this Article
  • EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
  • Browse Articles
  • Learn Something New
  • Quizzes Hot
  • This Or That Game New
  • Train Your Brain
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
  • School Stuff
  • Surviving School

How to Deal With Classmates Who Want Answers to Homework

Last Updated: February 18, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA . Emily Listmann is a private tutor in San Carlos, California. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 119,967 times.

If you're a responsible and hardworking student, then it's likely your peers have asked for your homework answers. You may be tempted to break the rules and share your answers because of social pressure, but this hurts both you and the person who copies you. Protecting your answers from would-be cheaters is the right thing to do, and actually helps them become better students in the long run. You can prepare to resist peer pressure and avoid cheating by learning ways that you can say "no" to other students, as well as how to manage their expectations of you. Finally, consider starting a study group that allows you and your peers to learn together. It'll all be more productive for you and your friends.

Step 1 Say no explicitly.

  • You may accidentally encourage your classmate to apply more pressure if you soften your “no” in an attempt to be friendly. Avoid using statements like “I don’t know” or “this may be a bad idea.” Instead, trust the clarity and power of a direct “no.”
  • Do not provide a complicated answer, just say no. A complicated explanation that emphasizes unusual circumstances may seem friendlier or more helpful, but it can provide an opportunity for your classmate to challenge your refusal and to ask again.

Step 2 Repeat yourself.

  • You can say “I know this is important, but my answer is not going to change,” or “I know that you are worried about grades, but I never share my answers.”
  • If you feel yourself weakening, remind yourself of the consequences you could face if you're caught sharing answers. Your teacher could deny you credit for the work you've done since by sharing your work you've engaged in cheating.

Step 3 Call your classmate’s request cheating.

  • Remember that the long term repercussions outweigh the immediate pressure. A school year can seem like a very long time, and you may worry about awkward situations if you disappoint a classmate. If you say no to a classmate, you may feel uncomfortable for a few days or weeks. If you are caught cheating, the consequences can last for years.
  • Point out to the student that the consequences remain even if you don't get caught. Copying homework answers doesn't help you learn the information, so the student who copies you won't be prepared for bigger assignments, such as the upcoming test. Even if they don't get caught now, they may not pass the course if they fail the test.

Step 5 Read your school’s academic conduct code.

  • Pay careful attention to your school’s rules regarding plagiarism. Plagiarism can seriously damage your academic record. Since what counts as plagiarism may not always be instinctive, speak with your teacher to clarify confusions that you may have. Your teacher will appreciate the opportunity address these questions before potentially plagiarized work is submitted.

Step 6 Avoid physical confrontation.

  • Remember, if the other student doesn't do the homework, then they aren't learning the course material. Most likely, they will fail the big assignments, such as tests.
  • Keep in mind that sharing answers would make you guilty of cheating, as well. You could jeopardize your future if you decide to share your answers.

Managing Your Classmates’ Expectations

Step 1 Avoid bragging about your academic performance.

  • When discussing your progress, highlight the effort you're putting into the class, but acknowledge that you won't know how well you know the subject until after your work is graded. Say, "I'm taking good notes and reading the material, but I won't know if my answers are right until I get my paper graded."
  • Keep your homework concealed until the moment it is due. Discourage your classmates from asking for your homework answers by not publicizing it. If someone asks you for answers to homework that isn't due for quite a while, you can always lie that you haven't finished it yet.

Step 2 Express appreciation.

  • Anticipate cheating around test times. Due to the high value placed on providing specific answers for assigning grades, stress can increase before major tests. This may make cheating seem more attractive. Before a test or major assignment, encourage a student that may ask you for answers or offer to study with them. This may reinforce proper study habits and discourage cheating.

Creating a Study Group

Step 1 Explain rather than cheat.

  • Ask your classmate about their study habits. You may be able to explain how they can do homework more effectively.

Step 2 Propose collaboration.

  • Pay special attention not to emphasize the depth of your understanding. Your goal is to work with the student, not to give them answers. Make sure that they are actively involved.

Step 3 Express interest in the work of your peers.

Community Q&A

Community Answer

  • Offer to help struggling classmates. You will learn as much as you teach, and you will lessen the need for and appeal of cheating. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2
  • Ask the teacher for advice in confidence. Most high school and college teachers understand the complex nature of social structures in their classrooms. If you are dissatisfied, consult another teacher in the department, your adviser or your dean (principal). Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

how to get someone to do their homework

  • Being an accomplice to cheating is usually punished as harshly as cheating. If you feel that your study group may be close to being a cheating ring, immediately seek consultation from a trusted adult. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 0
  • Be sure that the teacher knows about your study group. Otherwise, when a few students miss the same questions on an assignment, the teacher will assume cheating has taken place. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

Cheat On a Test

  • ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/learning-to-say-no
  • ↑ https://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin375.shtml
  • ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolution-the-self/201401/praise-manipulation-6-reasons-question-compliments
  • ↑ http://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ720382
  • ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/education/2009/jun/09/how-to-be-a-student-study-group

About This Article

Emily Listmann, MA

  • Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Daniel Brown

Daniel Brown

Jul 17, 2022

Did this article help you?

Daniel Brown

Featured Articles

What to Do When a Dog Attacks

Trending Articles

What Is My Favorite Color Quiz

Watch Articles

Make Sticky Rice Using Regular Rice

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

WISN 12 News and Weather

  •   Weather

Search location by ZIP code

Get the facts: what's on the milwaukee ballot.

Milwaukee voters have a lot of decisions to make Tuesday, and election officials encourage people to do their homework before going to the polls

  • Copy Link Copy {copyShortcut} to copy Link copied!

how to get someone to do their homework

GET OUR POLITICS NEWSLETTER

Stay up to speed on all the latest local and national political news.

Polls open at 7 a.m. Tuesday for Wisconsin's spring election and 2024 presidential primary. WISN 12 News is Getting the Facts for Milwaukee voters about what's on the ballot.

Perhaps the biggest issue on the ballot is a $252 million ask for Milwaukee Public Schools.

"Voting yes for MPS absolutely is very important to me. That is my main reason for voting tomorrow," said Rhiannon, a Milwaukee voter who did not want to reveal her last name.

Milwaukee Public Schools

Election officials encourage people to do their homework before going to the polls. The executive director of the Milwaukee Election Commission explains what's up for grabs.

"All 15 Common Council seats, city attorney, city treasurer, city comptroller, and of course, the mayor is on the ballot," Claire Woodall said.

"County executive, county comptroller, county supervisor," she added, about the Milwaukee County races.

City of Milwaukee reside Alexandra Ellis talked about what she's most concerned about on the ballot.

"I would probably say my aldermanic district," she said.

Geoffrey Pearson of West Allis has a plan.

"I'm going to personally be voting more for Democrats, and that's straight down the ticket," he said.

Voters will also have to say yes or no to two questions regarding how state elections are conducted.

Election funding ballot question

"The two statewide referendums are binding. They will be amending the state constitution," Woodall said.

Don't forget to bring a photo ID. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and you can register to vote at your polling place.

"Voting is the foundation of being civically engaged. It's the simplest way we can get engaged in our local community," Woodall said.

A reminder, poll workers are prohibited from answering questions about referenda. For more information about what's on the ballot, visit the 1 2 News Voter Guide .

how to get someone to do their homework

7 Best Java Homework Help Websites: How to Choose Your Perfect Match?

J ava programming is not a field that could be comprehended that easily; thus, it is no surprise that young learners are in search of programming experts to get help with Java homework and handle their assignments. But how to choose the best alternative when the number of proposals is enormous? 

In this article, we are going to talk about the top ‘do my Java assignment’ services that offer Java assignment assistance and dwell upon their features. In the end, based on the results, you will be able to choose the one that meets your demands to the fullest and answer your needs. Here is the list of services that are available today, as well as those that are on everyone's lips:

TOP Java Assignment Help Services: What Makes Them Special?

No need to say that every person is an individual and the thing that suits a particular person could not meet the requirements of another. So, how can we name the best Java assignment help services on the web? - We have collected the top issues students face when searching for Java homework help and found the companies that promise to meet these requirements. 

What are these issues, though?

  • Pricing . Students are always pressed for budget, and finding services that suit their pockets is vital. Thus, we tried to provide services that are relatively affordable on the market. Of course, professional services can’t be offered too cheaply, so we have chosen the ones that balance professionalism and affordability.
  • Programming languages . Not all companies have experts in all possible programming languages. Thus, we tried to choose the ones that offer as many different languages as possible. 
  • Expert staff . In most cases, students come to a company when they need to place their ‘do my Java homework’ orders ASAP. Thus, a large expert staff is a real benefit for young learners. They want to come to a service, place their order and get a professional to start working on their project in no time. 
  • Reviews . Of course, everyone wants to get professional help with Java homework from a reputable company that has already completed hundreds of Java assignments for their clients. Thus, we have mentioned only those companies that have earned enough positive feedback from their clients.
  • Deadline options. Flexible deadline options are also a benefit for those who are placing their last-minute Java homework help assignments. Well, we also provide services with the most extended deadlines for those who want to save some money and place their projects beforehand.
  • Guarantees . This is the must-feature if you want to get quality assistance and stay assured you are totally safe with the company you have chosen. In our list, we have only named companies that provide client-oriented guarantees and always keep their word, as well as offer only professional Java assignment experts.
  • Customization . Every service from the list offers Java assistance tailored to clients’ personal needs. There, you won’t find companies that offer pre-completed projects and sell them at half-price.

So, let’s have a closer look at each option so you can choose the one that totally meets your needs.

DoMyAssignments.com

At company service, you can get assistance with academic writing as well as STEM projects. The languages you can get help with are C#, C++, Computer science, Java, Javascript, HTML, PHP, Python, Ruby, and SQL.

The company’s prices start at $30/page for a project that needs to be done in 14+ days.

Guarantees and extra services

The company offers a list of guarantees to make your cooperation as comfortable as possible. So, what can you expect from the service?

  • Free revisions . When you get your order, you can ask your expert for revisions if needed. It means that if you see that any of your demands were missed, you can get revisions absolutely for free. 
  • Money-back guarantee. The company offers professional help, and they are sure about their experts and the quality of their assistance. Still, if you receive a project that does not meet your needs, you can ask for a full refund. 
  • Confidentiality guarantee . Stay assured that all your personal information is safe and secure, as the company scripts all the information you share with them.
  • 100% customized assistance . At this service, you won’t find pre-written codes, all the projects are completed from scratch.

Expert staff

If you want to hire one of the top Java homework experts at DoMyAssignments , you can have a look at their profile, see the latest orders they have completed, and make sure they are the best match for your needs. Also, you can have a look at the samples presented on their website and see how professional their experts are. If you want to hire a professional who completed a particular sample project, you can also turn to a support team and ask if you can fire this expert.

CodingHomeworkHelp.org

CodingHomeworkHelp is rated at 9.61/10 and has 10+ years of experience in the programming assisting field. Here, you can get help with the following coding assignments: MatLab, Computer Science, Java, HTML, C++, Python, R Studio, PHP, JavaScript, and C#.

Free options all clients get

Ordering your project with CodingHomeworkHelp.org, you are to enjoy some other options that will definitely satisfy you.

  • Partial payments . If you order a large project, you can pay for it in two parts. Order the first one, get it done, and only then pay for the second one.
  • Revisions . As soon as you get your order, you can ask for endless revisions unless your project meets your initial requirements.
  • Chat with your expert . When you place your order, you get an opportunity to chat directly with your coding helper. If you have any questions or demands, there is no need to first contact the support team and ask them to contact you to your assistant. 
  • Code comments . If you have questions concerning your code, you can ask your helper to provide you with the comments that will help you better understand it and be ready to discuss your project with your professor.

The prices start at $20/page if you set a 10+ days deadline. But, with CodingHomeworkHelp.org, you can get a special discount; you can take 20% off your project when registering on the website. That is a really beneficial option that everyone can use.

CWAssignments.com

CWAssignments.com is an assignment helper where you can get professional help with programming and calculations starting at $30/page. Moreover, you can get 20% off your first order.

Working with the company, you are in the right hands and can stay assured that the final draft will definitely be tailored to your needs. How do CWAssignments guarantee their proficiency?

  • Money-back guarantee . If you are not satisfied with the final work, if it does not meet your expectations, you can request a refund. 
  • Privacy policy . The service collects only the data essential to complete your order to make your cooperation effective and legal. 
  • Security payment system . All the transactions are safe and encrypted to make your personal information secure. 
  • No AI-generated content . The company does not use any AI tools to complete their orders. When you get your order, you can even ask for the AI detection report to see that your assignment is pure. 

With CWAssignments , you can regulate the final cost of your project. As it was mentioned earlier, the prices start at $30/page, but if you set a long-term deadline or ask for help with a Java assignment or with a part of your task, you can save a tidy sum.

DoMyCoding.com

This company has been offering its services on the market for 18+ years and provides assistance with 30+ programming languages, among which are Python, Java, C / C++ / C#, JavaScript, HTML, SQL, etc. Moreover, here, you can get assistance not only with programming but also with calculations. 

Pricing and deadlines

With DoMyCoding , you can get help with Java assignments in 8 hours, and their prices start at $30/page with a 14-day deadline.

Guarantees and extra benefits

The service offers a number of guarantees that protect you from getting assistance that does not meet your requirements. Among the guarantees, you can find:

  • The money-back guarantee . If your order does not meet your requirements, you will get a full refund of your order.
  • Free edits within 7 days . After you get your project, you can request any changes within the 7-day term. 
  • Payments in parts . If you have a large order, you can pay for it in installments. In this case, you get a part of your order, check if it suits your needs, and then pay for the other part. 
  • 24/7 support . The service operates 24/7 to answer your questions as well as start working on your projects. Do not hesitate to use this option if you need to place an ASAP order.
  • Confidentiality guarantee . The company uses the most secure means to get your payments and protects the personal information you share on the website to the fullest.

More benefits

Here, we also want to pay your attention to the ‘Samples’ section on the website. If you are wondering if a company can handle your assignment or you simply want to make sure they are professionals, have a look at their samples and get answers to your questions. 

AssignCode.com

AssignCode is one of the best Java assignment help services that you can entrust with programming, mathematics, biology, engineering, physics, and chemistry. A large professional staff makes this service available to everyone who needs help with one of these disciplines. As with some of the previous companies, AssignCode.com has reviews on different platforms (Reviews.io and Sitejabber) that can help you make your choice. 

As with all the reputed services, AssignCode offers guarantees that make their cooperation with clients trustworthy and comfortable. Thus, the company guarantees your satisfaction, confidentiality, client-oriented attitude, and authenticity.

Special offers

Although the company does not offer special prices on an ongoing basis, regular clients can benefit from coupons the service sends them via email. Thus, if you have already worked with the company, make sure to check your email before placing a new one; maybe you have received a special offer that will help you save some cash.

AssignmentShark.com

Reviews about this company you can see on different platforms. Among them are Reviews.io (4.9 out of 5), Sitejabber (4.5 points), and, of course, their own website (9.6 out of 10). The rate of the website speaks for itself.

Pricing 

When you place your ‘do my Java homework’ request with AssignmentShark , you are to pay $20/page for the project that needs to be done in at least ten days. Of course, if the due date is closer, the cost will differ. All the prices are presented on the website so that you can come, input all the needed information, and get an approximate calculation.

Professional staff

On the ‘Our experts’ page, you can see the full list of experts. Or, you can use filters to see the professional in the required field. 

The company has a quick form on its website for those who want to join their professional staff, which means that they are always in search of new experts to make sure they can provide clients with assistance as soon as the need arises.

Moreover, if one wants to make sure the company offers professional assistance, one can have a look at the latest orders and see how experts provide solutions to clients’ orders.

What do clients get?

Placing orders with the company, one gets a list of inclusive services:

  • Free revisions. You can ask for endless revisions until your order fully meets your demands.
  • Code comments . Ask your professional to provide comments on the codes in order to understand your project perfectly. 
  • Source files . If you need the list of references and source files your helper turned to, just ask them to add these to the project.
  • Chat with the professional. All the issues can be solved directly with your coding assistant.
  • Payment in parts. Large projects can be paid for in parts. When placing your order, let your manager know that you want to pay in parts.

ProgrammingDoer.com

ProgrammingDoer is one more service that offers Java programming help to young learners and has earned a good reputation among previous clients. 

The company cherishes its reputation and does its best to let everyone know about their proficiency. Thus, you, as a client, can read what people think about the company on several platforms - on their website as well as at Reviews.io.

What do you get with the company?

Let’s have a look at the list of services the company offers in order to make your cooperation with them as comfortable as possible. 

  • Free revisions . If you have any comments concerning the final draft, you can ask your professional to revise it for free as many times as needed unless it meets your requirements to the fullest.
  • 24/7 assistance . No matter when you realize that you have a programming assignment that should be done in a few days. With ProgrammingDoer, you can place your order 24/7 and get a professional helper as soon as there is an available one.
  • Chat with the experts . When you place your order with the company, you get an opportunity to communicate with your coding helper directly to solve all the problems ASAP.

Extra benefits

If you are not sure if the company can handle your assignment the right way, if they have already worked on similar tasks, or if they have an expert in the needed field, you can check this information on your own. First, you can browse the latest orders and see if there is something close to the issue you have. Then, you can have a look at experts’ profiles and see if there is anyone capable of solving similar issues.

Can I hire someone to do my Java homework?

If you are not sure about your Java programming skills, you can always ask a professional coder to help you out. All you need is to find the service that meets your expectations and place your ‘do my Java assignment’ order with them.  

What is the typical turnaround time for completing a Java homework assignment?

It depends on the service that offers such assistance as well as on your requirements. Some companies can deliver your project in a few hours, but some may need more time. But, you should mind that fast delivery is more likely to cost you some extra money. 

What is the average pricing structure for Java assignment help?

The cost of the help with Java homework basically depends on the following factors: the deadline you set, the complexity level of the assignment, the expert you choose, and the requirements you provide.

How will we communicate and collaborate on my Java homework?

Nowadays, Java assignment help companies provide several ways of communication. In most cases, you can contact your expert via live chat on a company’s website, via email, or a messenger. To see the options, just visit the chosen company’s website and see what they offer.

Regarding the Author:

Nayeli Ellen, a dynamic editor at AcademicHelp, combines her zeal for writing with keen analytical skills. In her comprehensive review titled " Programming Assignment Help: 41 Coding Homework Help Websites ," Nayeli offers an in-depth analysis of numerous online coding homework assistance platforms.

Java programming is not a field that could be comprehended that easily; thus, it is no surprise that young learners are

IMAGES

  1. KS2 homework strategies

    how to get someone to do their homework

  2. Tips and Tricks for Creating Good Homework Habits

    how to get someone to do their homework

  3. Top 10 Tips on How to Efficiently Get Your Homework Done

    how to get someone to do their homework

  4. How to Get Kids to Do Their Homework and Raise Self-Starters

    how to get someone to do their homework

  5. How to Help Middle and High School Students Develop the Skills They

    how to get someone to do their homework

  6. How to make time for homework and home learning

    how to get someone to do their homework

VIDEO

  1. 3 tips to get your homework done in no time!

  2. Homework Motivation Hacks

  3. This Discord bot will do your homework in 10 seconds

  4. can someone do my homework ✨❤️

  5. ways to get out of doing your homework

  6. دوسروں سے کام لینے کا بہترین طریقہ| Ehsan Saddal

COMMENTS

  1. 3 Ways to Motivate Teenagers to Do Their Homework

    1. Make a presence at their school. Introduce yourself to your teenager's teachers and school administration. Make it clear that they can get in touch with you if they have any questions or concerns involving your child's education. Volunteer at the school or make an appearance at school functions.

  2. 3 Ways to Find Motivation to Do Homework

    1. Reward yourself when you meet a homework goal. Rewards can be a powerful motivator! Whenever you accomplish a goal—even a little one—take a moment to reward yourself. [1] Your rewards don't have to be anything elaborate or fancy.

  3. How to Do Homework: 15 Expert Tips and Tricks

    You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you've got SAT studying to do. It's just more fun to watch people make scones. D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you're reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time. 5.

  4. How to Get Your Teen to Do Their Damn Homework

    By the time your child reaches their teenage years, they're getting to a point when it's time for them to be assuming responsibility for getting their work done. As Taylor-Klaus often advises ...

  5. 5 Ways To Encourage Students To Do Their Homework

    Get a chore done around the house, or get some early work done for your office. 4. Provide Motivation. When it comes to doing homework, positive reinforcement will always work better compared to negative reinforcement. After all, doing homework is often already something negative in their mind, and if you compound that negativity by being ...

  6. How to Do Homework (with Pictures)

    Just make sure to save enough time to circle back and give it another shot. 4. Take a break every hour. Set a specific amount of time you will spend every hour doing something besides homework, and stick to it. Be sure you set how long after the start of the hour, and how long you will take.

  7. The 5 Best Homework Help Websites (Free and Paid!)

    Best Site for Math Homework Help: Photomath. Price: Free (or $59.99 per year for premium services) Best for: Explaining solutions to math problems. This site allows you to take a picture of a math problem, and instantly pulls up a step-by-step solution, as well as a detailed explanation of the concept.

  8. How to Motivate Yourself to Do Homework

    To motivate yourself to do homework, set clear, achievable goals, create a distraction-free study space, and establish a regular routine. Use a timer for focused work sessions, reward yourself after completing tasks, and maintain a positive mindset. Remember to take care of your health and seek help if needed.

  9. Homework challenges and strategies

    The challenge: Managing time and staying organized. Some kids struggle with keeping track of time and making a plan for getting all of their work done. That's especially true of kids who have trouble with executive function. Try creating a homework schedule and set a specific time and place for your child to get homework done.

  10. How to Get Students to Complete Work

    Keep your tone positive and let students know what to expect regarding workload. Clarify how you will grade homework and the consequences of missed assignments. Spell everything out in a homework contract and have students sign it. Just make sure to explain it, too, so the information sinks in. 3.

  11. PDF Motivating Children to Do Their Homework Parent's Guide

    Motivation for Homework: Parent's Guide licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0 International Our Homework Goals When I say, "Get out your homework," you say, "OK." You get your homework and agenda out of your bag. You sit at the dining room table. You do not complain. You take one break after you work for 20 minutes.

  12. Studyo

    Create a clear homework policy. With a clear homework policy, you communicate expectations consistently. This helps students understand what they must do to meet these expectations. You might say something like "I expect my students to turn in homework on Monday" or "I expect my students' homework to resolve math practice questions every night".

  13. Homework anxiety: Why it happens and how to help

    Use a calm voice. When kids feel anxious about homework, they might get angry, yell, or cry. Avoid matching their tone of voice. Take a deep breath and keep your voice steady and calm. Let them know you're there for them. Sometimes kids just don't want to do homework. They complain, procrastinate, or rush through the work so they can do ...

  14. 19 Tips to Motivate Clients With Therapy Homework- (Infographic)

    Our team reached out to a group of therapists to find out what tips they had to offer on how to get clients to do their therapy homework. The infographic below is a collection summary of the quotes we received from 19 therapists. While many of the interventions are known among professionals, each participant offers unique insight while answering the same question. The sessions that each ...

  15. How to Motivate Yourself to Do Homework

    2. Develop Routine & Structure. When motivation fails, discipline takes over. By making doing homework a habit, it's easier to jump back into your study routine and get your tasks done. Start by creating a daily schedule that works for you and do your best to stick with it. Make use of digital planners, grade calculators, and assignment ...

  16. 17 Ways to Get Your Students to Actually Do Their Work

    Post assignments clearly - in more than one place if possible (in the classroom and on your class website). Email parents to keep them in the loop. - Laurie O. Reduce or eliminate homework. If your students work well in the classroom but just don't do their homework, this radical-sounding idea might be just the solution you've been ...

  17. How to Get Clients to Do Their Homework

    Step 1: Don't Call It "Homework". Bill O'Hanlon. Q: Ho w do I get clients to do homework assignments? A: Please don't call them homework assignments. That evokes memories of tasks handed out in school, which often seemed like busywork. The best way to ensure clients' cooperation is to make the assignments relevant for them.

  18. How to Get Children to Do Homework

    Choose some different steps or decide not to dance at all. Let homework stay where it belongs—between the teacher and the student. Stay focused on your job, which is to help your child do their job. Don't do it for them. If you feel frustrated, take a break from helping your child with homework.

  19. 20 Chegg Alternatives: Get Paid for Doing Homework

    4. Toppr. Toppr is an Indian mobile tutoring app which connects tutors to grade 8-12, JEE, NEET and CET students who need help with their homework.As a tutor, you'll help alleviate students' doubts on a variety of subjects, ranging from chemistry to maths and physics. To apply to become a tutor, you'll need to be a resident of India.Once you've chosen the topics of your expertise ...

  20. 3 Ways to Deal With Classmates Who Want Answers to Homework

    Discourage your classmates from asking for your homework answers by not publicizing it. If someone asks you for answers to homework that isn't due for quite a while, you can always lie that you haven't finished it yet. 2. Express appreciation. Accept your classmate's interest in your work as a compliment.

  21. How to Get Your Kids to Do Their Homework

    Instructions. Step 1: Monitor their schoolwork As soon as your kids come home, ask to see their homework assignments. If they see that you are on top of their schoolwork, they'll be more apt to do the same. Step 2: Empower your kids Let the kids feel they're somewhat in charge by giving them the choice of when to do their homework—before ...

  22. How to Do Homework for Money: All You Need to Know

    3. Time Management. Because the homework market is quite competitive, you may be tempted to answer more and more questions to make a lot of money. While you might be having a good time, you should know when to take a break and prepare yourself for another teaching session.

  23. Get The Facts: What's on the Milwaukee ballot?

    Election officials encourage people to do their homework before going to the polls. The executive director of the Milwaukee Election Commission explains what's up for grabs.

  24. 7 Best Java Homework Help Websites: How to Choose Your Perfect Match?

    Expert staff. If you want to hire one of the top Java homework experts at DoMyAssignments, you can have a look at their profile, see the latest orders they have completed, and make sure they are ...