Bell rings… it’s after 3 o’clock and schools out. Your kids come running up the street from the bus stop, shuffle into the house, drop their book bags and settle down in front of the TV with a snack for a little rest and relaxation. Huh?

That’s not how it went when I was growing up. While I didn’t have the luxury of having my mother and grandmother there when I got home from school, I knew good and well that my homework had better be finished before that TV was turned on. My kids are older now and the stakes are higher in terms of their education. This past weekend I talked to both of my kids and layed down the law about my expectations.

The conversation started off something like this:

“Please don’t take my kindness for weakness, I will shut everything down without hesitation.” They stared at me blankly.

While I reiterated that they needed to be accountable for themselves and take a vested interest in their education and future, I also explained that it goes both ways. I let them know that not only am I there to help, but their grandmother has their back if I’m not accessible; and in their second home they have a father and stepmother available to assist. No excuses, we’ve got them covered.

I think creating a ‘Study Hall’ plan which includes blocks of time where only studying is allowed will give them the structure they need to focus and concentrate on what matters most; School!

I’m liberal in many ways, but I can’t give them too much leeway when it comes to academics.

Do you have a Study Hall plan in place and do you have a shared network that supports it?

Words By: Sid Powell
Thinkstock