Can’t get your children to do their homeschool work? Do this!

Can’t get your children to do their homeschool work?  Every homeschool mom on the planet struggles with this at one time or another. And sometimes, it’s more than just now and then.

Do you agree? 

This is a recent question a sweet homeschool mom sent to me. Her question and my answer have been edited for privacy and formatted for a blog post, with her permission.

My kids aren’t completing their homeschool work; what should I do?

Hi Dana,

My biggest challenge would be the scheduling aspect of the day. Our kids love to play and it’s one of the many things about homeschooling that I love…especially if they are all three playing together. I find it very challenging to pull them out of it to do work.

Initially, I thought to bust out our work in the AM and then give them the rest of the day to play and have their free time. But turns out, they need to get some good energy flowing after a subject before the next subject. I use meals to gather us back…I supposed I could use a snack time to do the same….our read aloud is another way cause they like it.

I feel like a bit of a pushover and of course “worry” they aren’t learning time management or scheduling, but then I ask myself “How important is that now? Can that be learned later? (kids are 11, 9, and 7)

I love learning so it doesn’t take much for me to be “all in”…one of them is similar but the other two drag their feet so it’s often draining to try and stay positive and energetic and field or navigate their sour attitudes about learning (or rather having to stop their play…hahaha).

Thank you for asking and it’s been very encouraging to be part of your tribe–I’m happy to be here, with you, in this life of living and learning together. Much appreciated K

What to do to get your children to do their work.

Dear K,

Thanks for reaching out.  And for your kind words. I’m thrilled to have you as part of my online community, and I’m delighted to hear that you’re encouraged to be a part of it!

I can understand your dilemma.  On one hand, playing time is fantastic for building relationships, burning off steam, using imaginations, and keeping your kids emotionally close.

On the other hand, your children are not completing their homeschool work or developing the time management habits that you think they should have.

It’s obvious that you have a close family, K., and that’s precious that your kids love to play together.

However, as you know, the academic aspect of your home education needs attention. Additionally, time management and a good work ethic, along with many other habits, are best learned through training and practice.

I’m sure that with your commitment, a little teamwork, and tweaking, you and your children will develop better habits, allowing your kids to complete more of their homeschool work while still enjoying a happy, thriving home.

Create a plan with your kids so they can get their homeschool work done.

Find a suitable time to discuss this issue with your kids. Choose a time, maybe on an evening or weekend. And, if your spouse is supportive of homeschooling, consider having him present.

First, remind your children that, as their parents, you have chosen to educate them at home. This obligates you morally and legally to fulfill the academic requirements. So that’s what’s going to happen from here on out.

Make sure they understand that this is a non-negotiable statement.

Then, I’d talk with your kids about the issue of them not completing their homeschool work.

Get their input.

After letting your children know about this upcoming change, get their input on how your family can work together to make this happen. Since they’re involved too, you want to hear their ideas on how their schoolwork could be done.

Ask them what would they would like their home education to look like. (Remember: Playing all day is not an option — the academics are non-negotiable.)

Ask them what they like best about learning. How do they like to learn? What type of lessons would they enjoy?

Examples: Textbooks or excellent children’s books? Drawing a map, or making a cookie or salt dough map? Hands-on lessons or workbooks? Working together, or separately?

(Often, you can teach kids together in history and science, with your older two doing most of the science experiment, for example, and the younger helping set up, etc. Then discuss the process and the results together. Give each child a suitable role depending on their ages and abilities.)

Listen and jot down their ideas on a whiteboard or a piece of paper.

After they share their ideas, you can offer some of your own. For example, you might say something like, “Many homeschooling families start with their hardest subjects first. That way it’s over and done at the beginning of the day.”

Remember that you are the benevolent leader, but you are the leader.

It doesn’t matter so much how the lessons are done, but that they are done.

Again, you are working this out together, rather than laying down the law. In other words, you are the decision maker, but you want to make things work well for them, too.

And you’ll have to give yourself (and them) a pep talk about committing to your new plan once you’ve made it. (Multiple pep talks).

You make the plan, incorporating their ideas when it’s feasible. Then tell them you’ll ask for their feedback after a week of this new plan.

In addition to managing their time more productively by committing to a specific plan for their homeschool days, you’ll:

The skills of problem-solving, having a good work ethic, and self-discipline are critical skills that become more and more important as your children age. And, as your oldest is middle school age, it’s time to step it up.

You can do this!

Consider gamifying the experience!

Consider gamifying the work — if everyone finishes their work by the end of the week, have a weekend family treat of some kind. (Eating out, going out for a milkshake, making something special for dinner, having a game night… whatever your family enjoys but doesn’t do often.)

Similarly, reward those who finish their work with extra one-on-one time or let them choose the reward for the weekend, a special dessert, whatever would be considered a reward by that child.

Do some brainstorming with your spouse on this before you start the new plan, so you are prepared and ready for different outcomes.

Ideas that have worked well for us and others:

Here are some tried-and-true, nuts-and-bolts ideas to consider using with your new plan:

Additional suggestions to help your children get their work done.

I have faith you can do this, K!

Planning ahead and keeping your kids moving without abandoning their schoolwork means your children will be able to do their homeschool work, and you can feel relieved and confident that you are doing the right things regarding their home education.

Ultimately, the goal is to teach them that the more thoroughly and quickly they complete their work, the more time they will have to play.

As they start practicing their new skills, be sure to hold the line while praising them for their efforts and commitment.

I hope that helps, K! Please let me know how it goes!

You can do this!

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So, homeschool mom, when you can’t get your children to do their school work, take heart. I know it’s hard work to change the direction you are now headed, but it has to be done. bite the bullet and try some of these suggestions! With time and effort, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the result!

Please let me know how it goes! (Use the contact form at the top of this page, or please leave a comment on this post.) And if you have other ideas that have worked for you, please help a homeschool mama out and leave a comment below!

Best wishes for a productive homeschool!