Why Do Some Children Always Forget Homework?

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Here are four reasons some kids do this—and ways you can help:

They’re looking for attention. Skip the scenes. Calmly let your child know you will work with him only if he brings his homework home.
The homework is too difficult. Talk with the teacher. Is your child capable of doing the assignments? Does she need extra help?
They do not understand the importance of homework assignments. Arrange a three-way meeting with your child’s teacher. Have her explain why she gives homework and how it affects the final grade.
They are just plain lazy. Make sure your child writes down all his assignments on an assignment sheet. Ask the teacher to initial the sheet each day to show that it is complete. Look at the sheet each evening.

Here’s another strategy: When she doesn’t bring home materials needed to complete an assignment, give her an alternate homework assignment or perhaps an uninteresting chore. When homework begins to interfere with play, most children will see the light.

Comments on Why Do Some Children Always Forget Homework?

Deborah says: Feb. 09, 2012: This article is truly lacking in thought. It doesn't take into account personality traits, maturity rates, home and school environment, emotional or mental challenges, and perpetuates stereotyping. My son, often forgets his homework, after he has already completed it. Just today, I told him to make sure he turned in all of his work, not just today's assignments, when he got back to school (since he had two assignments to turn in, after forgetting to take his backpack yesterday.) He initiated the effort at home to take everything out, reorganize and repack his back pack. I realized, after he left for school,one of today's assignments was on the couch where he was organizing things. Sometimes kids are challenged in different areas and it is very frustrating for them as well. I have talked to his teacher about this and she said it's just his personality of "living in the moment". In addition she commented that the work they are doing at school is below his ability level, and it's easy for him to become distracted, and miss things.

Francisco says: Dec. 03, 2011: I am a high school freshman and I consider myself a veteran of middle school. As a high school student I find this article very offensive. You guys are accusing hardworking (but forgetful) kids of being lazy and careless. I would like to see this article thoroughly edited today that kids forget because of the dramatic overflow of stuff to remember compared to elementary school. Thank you.

jhum says: Jan. 18, 2011: Reason #5.
Depression, trauma, or other emotional disturbance. I came from a rough childhood, I always forgot everything.

I have a problem as an adult recovering from child abuse reading about children who are lazy or looking for attention. This implies guilt, deceit, and I honestly know it is NOT the case. No child forgets on purpose, especially something as important as school. If a child is seriously doing bad at remembering, maybe it's that part of the brain that might be traumatized. Think about it, life is rough and sometimes you just want to forget. And as a child who's brain is still developing, well it just makes sense that this same area may not be acting right.

atyler says: Sep. 09, 2009: @Kristen- It sounds as though the problem is at school. Does the teacher tell the students to turn in homework or does s/he just have a homework basket and expect students to remember? Does she keep track of turned-in homework. (If not, why do it?) Anyway, I would contact the teacher, let her know that your son has his homework but is forgetting to turn it in and ask her to suggest what can be done. Perhaps a few verbal reminders will help him get into the habit. Here is some more info that might help:

http://www.family-homework-answers.com/wont-turn-in-homework.html

Kristen says: Sep. 09, 2009: What do you do if your child actually does his homework but forgets to hand it in? It is definitely not an avoidance of a task or laziness. The homework is in his folder, I remind him in the evening and morning to hand it in, and still he forgets to do it. He is visibly upset with himself for forgetting too and seems frustrated. What can I do?

Shimmer says: Mar. 24, 2009: I find this advice lacking. A number of children have ADD or ADHD or have other learning and processing problems. They are by no means lazy or being purposefuly defiant. Not acknowledging these children seems to be irresponsible. If a child is continually not bringing home their homework, after discussing it with their teacher, I would suggest looking into this. Many children, for whatever reason (it could be just that we can assess things better in this day and age) have these kinds of issues. The sooner a parent figures this out the sooner they can work on ways to advocate for and support their child in being successful in school. Look for psycho-educational testing centers. Although there are many very expensive places to do this often there are universities that offer sliding scale fees for the same or better services.

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Why Do Some Children Always Forget Homework?

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