Mom on Strike

I am on homework strike.

I am getting sick and tired of DD coming home at the end of the day with nothing done. She is completely wasting her in-class study hall, then comes home and putzes and putzes all night, until once again it is 9PM and the assignments aren't done. If that was the best she could do, I'd be more tolerant, but I know she can do better - when there is something she wants as a goal, like an event she can only attend if homework is complete. Then she can get things done. Apparently, not driving Mom crazy is not sufficient motivation (or, conversely, driving Mom crazy is a great reason for not doing the work).

One day, last week, she had almost 2 hrs of homework time at school, and finished all of 6 math problems (one of her strongest subjects). This was after swearing up and down that she would focus on getting her math done during study hall that day. So I said enough is enough and went on homework strike last week - no homework help, period. And by the end of the week, she improved. She insisted she would do better this week, because she didn't like Mom's homework strike.

So, today, the first day back at school, she pulled the same thing. By her own admission, she spent her study time chatting with friends and organizing her desk. So her therapy appointment tonight was focused on making better choices. And once she was home, she putzed away, and then proceeded to throw a fit and snap a ruler in half instead of completing her book report. So again, enough is enough. I sent her to bed immediately, and told her that she would have to take the incomplete. Much howling and hollering ensued, but I am standing my ground. I have told the teacher to give her the incomplete, and told DD that I expect to see the form to sign tomorrow evening.

I have also told her that homework help closes at 8:15 from now on, and by 8:45 her head will hit the pillow. If she wishes to avoid future incompletes, she will make different choices.

DS is suffering from this, too, as he would like to have some time with Mom in the evening, but I'm spending all my time policing her homework. If he hangs out near me, all her work stops as she focuses on him instead. And DD needs fun time, too.

I know, I'm the meanest mom in the world. But I am an exasperated mean mom, and I AM DONE!!!!