Homework Contract May Help Too Sociable Child

My husband and I are up to ours ears with trying to find new things to do with our 15-year-old daughter. We have tried everything with her and her grades. She is a very intelligent and beautiful young girl, but being "Miss Popularity" seems to be more important than turning in her assignments on time.
We go online daily to check if her work has been turned in, but doing this doesn't motivate her to keep on top of her work. Do you think your homework contract would be helpful? Would it motivate our daughter to do her work? Her best friend's family is also eager to try it. We'd like to see if we can get them to concentrate a little more on the things that are most important and will benefit them in the long run. -- Fed-up Parents
Answer: Our homework contract can reduce parent/child conflict over getting homework done. It's not a miracle worker, however, unless parents and children can come together on the contract terms. Basically, it sets out the times and conditions under which children will do their homework. You will find it on our Web site (www.dearteacher.com) under "Resources" in "Skill Builders."
There is no reason that your daughter can't continue to be Miss Popularity and also be a good student. Using a contract will help her learn to balance her social life so she can succeed academically. In fact, a homework routine may actually leave her more time for socializing.
Contract terms are important. It would be best for her to do her work in an area where you can see her. And during this time, there should be no phone calls, text messaging or online time except to visit school-related Web sites. If she fails to honor her side of the contract and does not turn in assignments, penalties need to be enforced, such as no cell phone or computer time. There can also be rewards for following the contract terms.