If these sound familiar in your household, there are some simple steps that can be taken to deal with this.

Step 1: Have a family meeting. Everyone gets a chance to explain what is bugging them.

Step 2: Be in agreement on how much time will be allocated to schoolwork per day or per week. The minimum would be around 1 hour per day.

Step 3: Agree that during this allocated time, homework will be the first priority, then assessments and any remaining time should be spent on independent learning (e.g. reviewing difficult work, making summaries etc).

Step 4: Allocate set times for schoolwork and set these out as a timetable displayed  on the fridge; e.g. Monday 4-5pm, 6-6.30pm.

Step 5: Agree that during these blocks of time, there will be no personal technology use (preferably phones switched off and put out of sight).

Step 6: Decide on rewards and consequences if the agreement is or is not honoured.

Collaboration leads to a more honest commitment.

Sue Harradine - Senior Library Technician