Creating a Homework Contract

Most children do not like completing homework. In many families, homework time can be a struggle. For children that struggle with ADHD and/or learning disabilities, homework time can be even more of a fight. One way to help reduce homework problems is to create a homework contract with your child. A homework contract creates the structure needed to get homework done peacefully. Having your child involved in creating the contract and signing the contract can teach responsibility. Even though homework is his or her job, consider rewarding your child for following the rules and getting homework done as a way to establish lifetime habits.

Things to include in your homework contract:

• What time homework will be completed
• Where homework will be completed (preferably a quiet place)
• Materials child needs at homework time.
• The rules for homework time (for example, talking only about homework, waiting to use the phone or television, working for the entire time, staying in seat)
• How to handle homework (for example, a big project can be broken down and done over a few days).
• The number and timing of breaks allowed during homework time.
• Who will be available when help is needed (for example, mom or dad)
• Who will check homework when it is done (for example, mom or dad)
• What to do if there is no homework that day (e.g. study or read anyways)
• How following the contract will be rewarded

Making the homework contract

• Before you make the contract, think about what problems your child typically encounters during homework time. If your child frequently cannot find the things needed to do homework, make a list of what is needed before homework time begins (for example, pencil and pencil sharpener)
• It is very important that your child is involved in making the contract. Ask your child what time he/she would like to homework; for example, they can have homework time right after school or after a play break. Have him/her pick out a homework location. With your child, decide the rules for homework time. If you do not like a suggestion your child has made, suggest something else. Try to come to agreement with your child on what will be in the contract.
• It can be helpful to try one method, e.g. allowing music during homework or allowing 1/2 hour of play time outside before starting homework, for two weeks to see if the work is still getting done rather than being rigid about your own ideas. Examine the reports from those two weeks together to determine if the rule needs to be changed.
• Agree upon how your child will be rewarded for following the contract.
• Create a written contract (you may not agree on your memory of it). You can type the contract or write it. You can make it fun by putting it on a large piece of poster board. Let your child help write it. He/she can even decorate it.
• You and your child should sign the contract.
• Hang the contract in a place where you will see it every day but private from peers and siblings.
• Refer to the contract when there are disputes about homework
• If the contract is not working (for example, homework is not getting done), meet with your child to revise it.

Rewarding following the contract

• For the contract to work, it is best to reward your child for following most of the contract aspects each day or week. Remember that no one is perfect! Rewards do not need to be expensive. There are many things you can use as rewards including activities they take for granted such as computer time. Talk with your child to decide what would be a good reward.
• You could create a token economy to reward sticking to the homework contract. This includes giving points, stickers or tokens each day your child follows the contract. You could create a sticker chart and put a sticker on it each time the homework contract is followed. Once your child gets 10 stickers, he/she can cash them in for a small price (for example, a small toy, or going on an outing of his/her choice). This can also be done by putting poker chips in a fish bowl or simply recording the number of points your child gets. Find what works for your child! It is important not to take "points" away once they have been given.
• If your child likes TV, video games or playing on the computer, you could reward sticking with the contract by giving "screen time." For example, your child could get to watch half an hour of TV that evening after following the homework contract.
• Stick with it! The contract will only work if you consistently give the rewards. Do not give your child the agreed upon reward if he/she does not follow the contract. If you stick with it, you will not have to yell at your child to do his/her homework anymore!

See below for an example of a homework contract.

JOE'S HOMEWORK CONTRACT Joe will start his homework each Sunday-Thursday at 4:00 pm. If homework time needs to be changed, Joe will pick a time with Mom and Dad. The new time must be picked before 3:00 pm. Joe will sit at the dining room table to complete his homework. Joe will bring with him to homework time: Any books needed Any worksheets needed Two pencils A pencil sharpener Blank paper During homework time Joe will not: Watch TV Talk on the phone or text Play on the computer Play with his Legos or other toys Talk about things not related to homework Rush through work During homework time Joe will: Give his best effort Ask questions or for help when needed Use his best handwriting Read all instructions on homework Double check answers Joe will break down large assignments across multiple days. Joes can take two breaks to go to the bathroom, get a drink, and walk around to get out extra energy. Joe can stand and stretch out as many times as needed. Mom will be available to answer questions and give help as needed. Dad will be available to check completed homework. Homework time is over when Dad approves the work. If Joe does not have any homework for the day, he will tell his parents what he learned in class for 15 minutes. For following the homework contract, Joe will get to watch television for 30 minutes. ___________________________________________________ JOE BLACK DATE ____________________________________________________ Mom and Dad DATE