One of the biggest problems in homeschooling is getting kids to complete their assignments on time. It is not because homeschooled kids are lazy or disobedient. It is because they are kids.
Just like most parents have problems getting children to make their beds, or put away their clothing, or go to bed at the assigned time, I and a few other homeschooling mothers I know have to deal with due dates that go un met. Forcing children to meet their assignment due dates, can be painful for all involved. However to help children form a habit of accountability and responsibility, it must be done. Here are some ideas homeschoolers can use to get their homeschooled kids to complete assignments on time.
- Have them work toward an outing. My children and I go on some type of outing every Friday. In the past this event has been a given. We would go whether work was completed or not. Now, thanks to the example of a fellow homeschooling mother and friend whose child did not get to attend a play with us because deadlines were not met, we will be doing the same. This may mean that tickets we have purchased go unused. This may mean that some place I want to visit will have to be put off for another time, but a parent cannot make idle threats.
- Insert an accountability person. My son cannot avoid completing his math assignments because he knows his math tutor will arrive on Wednesday mornings expecting the work to be completed. Children do not mind disappointing their parents, as they know their parents will forgive them. For some strange reason however, my children have never disappointed a tutor or other instructor.
- Add assignments to a chore chart. In addition to household chores, add a minimum number or assignments your child should finish each day. If their allowance is tied to their chores, they will want to get them all done.
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