My daugher doesn't like to do her homework. Like most parents, I feel that education is important, so I fight non-stop with her to get her homework done. I've even been known to do her homework for her because I'm so worried about her future. 

Recently, I realized that if I want my daughter to succeed in life, I've got to make her homework her problem.  I also realized that my non-stop worry about my daughter's homework meant that she didn't have to worry about it at all. 

For example, pretend you and your husband are both heading off to work. You need milk for dinner; he tells you that he'll pick it up on the way home.  Do you worry about milk? Unless you have an irresponsible or forgetful husband, chances are that you don't.  You know it's being taken care of. 

Now, apply this same theory to homework. If your child knows that you are worried about whether or not he completes his homework, he's not going to worry about it. Why not? Because you are!  

If you're like me, you can't stop worrying about your child's homework, the trick is pretending that you have! Be available to your child, provide a quiet, well-lit place for him to work, and set rules - like no television until homework is done, but don't nag about it. 

If your child chooses not to do his homework, simply stick to your rules - not allowing him to watch tv, go to sports practice, play outdoors, etc. The following morning, write a note to his teacher or call the school and let them know that your child has chosen not to complete his homework and that you support the school's consequences. 

Yes, your child may miss a few assignments, especially if he is strong-willed. But, once you place the worry and resposibility on your child and take it off yourself, he will soon learn that completing his homework is much better than the consequences that he brings upon himself. And, you'll be teaching him a valuable lesson about responsibility and life!