Teenager Isn’t Bothering With Homework Assignments Anymore. Why?

If your teenager isn’t bothering with homework assignments anymore, there could be a few issues at play. Sometimes, kids who used to care about their schoolwork stop caring as they reach puberty. Their hormones are changing. Their interests are changing. They’re developing a need for independence. They don’t want to be told what to do, and their peers become the top priority.

As your child becomes a teenager, you should expect that their moods will change, and their attention to detail might falter. This is especially true if they struggle with mental health issues like ADD, ADHD, or ODD. However, you can take action to help your teen learn the life skills necessary to follow through with their responsibilities — like doing their homework.

Getting your teenager to care about their homework

Teens today have a lot of distractions to pull them away from their homework. Between cellphones, video games, and real-life situations, your teen has a lot going on. However, this won’t change as they become adults. If they don’t learn how to manage distractions while they are young, their careless attitude can carry over into adulthood.

Talk to your teen

Have a conversation with your child to find out why they’re not doing their homework. What you see as obstinance could actually be insecurity. If your teen is having difficulty with the course material or if they’re struggling to focus, they might be embarrassed about it. It’s easier to give up on something than to actually try and then fail.

By talking to your teen about what’s going on, you can get to the root of the problem. Find out why they aren’t bothering with their homework assignments anymore, and let them know that giving up isn’t an option. Even if they view homework as pointless, they still have to complete it. Make sure they understand the link between completing their homework and passing their classes.

Make a plan together

Once you have talked to your teen about why they aren’t doing their homework and made it clear that doing homework isn’t optional, make a plan together that will help them be successful. Decide on the end goal of the plan, and work backward from there.

If the end goal is for them to pass their classes, what will they need to do to maintain passing grades?