Do you remember how tough it was for you to sit down and concentrate when you were a kid? The moment you got home, you wanted to run right back out the door and play.
Imagine growing up nowadays where you not only have the lure of the great outdoors, but also the internet, iPods, computers and video games to deal with.
The kitchen table is no longer suitable for homework time.
What you really need to consider is getting a school desk for your child.
When the kids get home from school, homework is the last thing that they are even considering doing.
They want to watch television or download the latest video.
You have to set the scenario where these things are not an option when homework is being done.
The right mindset could be the difference in a C and an A.
Kids know that a school desk is where serious work goes down.
They know this because they spend 7 hours a day sitting at one in school.
You need to instill that same attitude at home and bringing that learning environment into your house is a great way to start off.
The way to do this is by creating space that is dedicated to learning in your home.
Maybe it is on the other side of your home office or maybe it is down in the basement.
One thing is for sure, it will not be in a location that lends itself to easy distractions.
There are plenty of different desks that you can choose from and you will want one that fits this mold.
A simple chair and table top will not do.
You want something like the old flip top lids or open fronts that will allow you to store just about everything they are ever going to need so they won't have to get up and end up turning on the Xbox in the process.
Both of these styles of school desks have more than enough storage space for things like notebooks, calculators, extra pens and pencils and even some snacks.
By making sure they don't have to get up, you can have a much more focused session that allows them to settle in and get their work done.
The days of knowing that if you did not do your homework, you were going to see the wrong side of dad's belt are long gone.
It is a different way of thinking and adjustments have to be made.
Instead of using the threat of "when your father comes home," create an environment that is conducive to learning and not goofing off.
When it all comes down to it, the kids know that the sooner they get their work done, the sooner they can start to have some fun.
After all, they are only kids doing what kids do.
We did the same thing and we didn't have half of the distractions they do.
Set the tone and the environment and watch your kids reap the benefits with great grades.